Vol. 702 No. 3
74 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on whether the lack of clarity surrounding the establishment of a national opera company is proving a challenge for persons involved in opera here; the timeline for the establishment of a national opera company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8110/10]
Last December, I confirmed my intention to have a National Opera Company established. The new company will be based in Dublin but will perform opera at all scales both in Dublin and nationwide as would be expected from a national opera company.
At present, there are three Opera Companies in the State which receive annual funding from the Arts Council: Opera Ireland, Opera Theatre Company and Wexford Festival Opera. The new national company will be formed from Opera Ireland and Opera Theatre Company which between them cover much of the range of artistic work that would be expected from a national opera company. Wexford Festival Opera has a very distinct image and highly successful brand both nationally and internationally and I believe that this brand should be maintained in its present form. At present, Opera Ireland produces main-scale opera in Dublin while Opera Theatre Company produces smaller-scale opera both in Dublin and throughout the State as well as in Northern Ireland and internationally.
The process of forming the new entity is a collaborative process between my Department, Opera Ireland, Opera Theatre Company and the Arts Council. My Department is leading the process. I myself have met both opera companies on several occasions and have discussed my intentions with the Arts Council. At this juncture, the high level goals of the new company are being finalised which will be followed by the appointment of board members which should be completed by April 2010.
In the meantime, Opera Ireland and Opera Theatre Company have been awarded grants by the Arts Council to allow them to continue to operate in 2010 thus allowing work on the new company to proceed smoothly.
It is of the utmost importance that the foundation of the new company is completed both swiftly and correctly, with due consideration given to putting in place appropriate arrangements that will ensure the new company's success over the coming decades.
77 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the role his Department plays in the artists’ tax exemption scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7886/10]
Under sub-section 12 of Section 195 of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997, there is provision for guidelines to be drawn up by the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism and the Arts Council, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, which determine if the work is an original and creative work and whether it has, or is generally recognised as having, cultural or artistic merit.
Section 195 of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997 empowers the Revenue Commissioners to make a determination that certain artistic works are original and creative works generally recognised as having cultural or artistic merit. This Section provides an exemption from tax for the profits or gains arising to a person from the publication, production or sale of an original and creative work which has artistic or cultural merit in any of the five following categories set out in the legislation:
(1) a book or other writing;
(2) a play;
(3) a musical composition;
(4) a painting or other like picture;
(5) a sculpture.
The Revenue Commissioners may consult with a person or body of persons which may be of assistance to them in reaching decisions in relation to the granting of such an exemption. The Arts Council is an example of such a body.
While the drawing up of guidelines is the responsibility of my Department and the Arts Council, the Revenue Commissioners are the users of the guidelines.
78 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made on the national sports facilities strategy; when this document will be published; if he plans to put this at the heart of the future development of sport here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7877/10]
I refer the Deputy to my reply today to Priority Question No. 67 in the name of Deputy O'Mahony.
79 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the action he will take to resolve the storage problems that are occurring at the National Archives; the progress made to date on a new purpose built building for the State’s archives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7895/10]
It is acknowledged that the National Archives suffers from a long-standing storage challenge on a constrained site. The storage difficulties in the National Archives are being tackled in two ways. The Office of Public Works at the instigation of my Department have agreed to examine in detail the options for a short-to-medium term solution to the storage and accommodation needs of the Archives within the existing Bishop Street building complex. OPW will prepare proposals in the coming months. They have already provided some off-site storage for certain series of records apart from the Four Courts storage.
In addition, OPW are moving the Land Commission records of the Department of Agriculture that are still in current use, out of Bishop Street to the new offices in Portlaoise. This will free up space for the National Archives proper and that will be fitted out as storage. The administrative staffing of the National Archives, which was admittedly relatively small, has also been strengthened by my Department in recent times.
81 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans and policy to develop and promote the arts at local and national level particularly regarding maintaining and developing interest and facilities in the current economic climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8176/10]
Government Policy on the Arts is set out in the Programme for Government and is elaborated further in my Department's Statement of Strategy.
My policy on the arts is to promote and strengthen the arts in all its forms, increase access to and participation in the arts, and make the arts an integral and valued part of our national life.
Responsibility for the promotion of the arts at all levels throughout the country is primarily devolved to the Arts Council. The Arts Council is the principal agency through which State funding is channelled to the arts. Under the Arts Act, 2003, the general functions of the Council include the following:
to stimulate public interest in the arts;
to promote knowledge, appreciation and practice of the arts;
to assist in improving standards in the arts.
The Arts Council is a statutorily independent body, funded by my Department and independent in its day-to-day operations, including in relation to its funding decisions. On Budget Day, the Government allocated €69.15 million to the Arts Council for 2010.
My Department takes a direct role in relation to the provision of grant-aid for arts and culture infrastructure and has allocated almost €200m in funding for the capital development of facilities around the country in recent years. On Budget Day, the Government allocated €16 million for cultural capital infrastructure which will be spent on projects which have been allocated funding under the ACCESS, the arts capital programme.
This Programme is designed to assist in the provision of high standard arts and culture infrastructural projects, thereby enhancing access to all aspects of the arts throughout the country. The programme is widely acknowledged as a significant intervention in the provision of high quality arts and culture infrastructure around the country.
Facilities funded to date include integrated arts centres, theatres, galleries, studios, and creative and performance spaces. In this manner the Department provides the bulk of capital funding for building and refurbishing arts facilities, while the Arts Council provides the ongoing revenue support for many of the facilities.
82 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans to support the local authority swimming pool programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7875/10]
The current round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme, operated by the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, provides grant aid to a maximum of €3.8m to Local Authorities, towards the capital cost of new swimming pools or the refurbishment of existing pools. Where a project is being undertaken by an organisation other than a local authority, the project must be considered, supported and submitted by the relevant local authority. Under the current programme, 45 pools have been opened throughout the country with a further 12 pools at various stages of development. The total expenditure of €142.7m under the Programme from 2000 to end of 2009 leveraged a total investment of some €400m. in swimming pools throughout the country.
The allocation of €7.5m in 2010 will be sufficient to meet commitments arising in 2010 under the current round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool programme. No decision has been taken on the timing of a new round of the Programme.
83 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans to assist the repair of sporting facilities damaged during the recent weather conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7874/10]
88 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if the sports capital programme will be available for 2010; the results of studies which have been undertaken into the viability of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7948/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 83 and 88 together.
Under the Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by my Department, and part funded from the proceeds of the National Lottery, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country.
While no decision has been made on the timing of the next round of the Programme, €48 million has been provided in my Department's Vote in the 2010 Estimates to cover payments to be made from the C1 subhead, out of which grants are paid for the provision of sports and recreation facilities in respect of previously awarded grants.
It is a condition of the Sports Capital Programme that any facilities developed with assistance from the programme must be insured against fire and other insurable risks.
Two expenditure reviews of the Sports Capital Programme have been carried out to date. The first covered the period 1988-1998 while the second covered the period 1999-2002. The first review limited its focus to identifying new priorities for future rounds of the Programme. The second review concluded that, inter alia, the Programme represents good value for money.
A draft National Sports Facilities Strategy 2010-2015 has been completed within my Department and circulated to a number of Government Departments and other relevant bodies for observations prior to finalisation. The draft strategy will now be amended taking into account the comments received and will then be submitted to the Government for approval and publication.
86 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he is satisfied with the level of Garda vetting in place for sports organisations here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7880/10]
The Irish Sports Council (ISC), which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body responsible for the promotion, development and coordination of sport which includes responsibility for dealing with the recognised sporting organisations and allocation of funding to same.
All recognised National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) now have access to Garda vetting through the Irish Sports Council. National Governing Bodies are now implementing vetting across their organizations, on a phased basis, based on their own needs and priorities and their capacity to manage the process.
The Irish Sports Council provides support to National Governing Bodies (NGBs) to implement the recommendations and policies of the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport in Ireland. NGBs are required to comply with these requirements in order to access ISC funding but as Garda vetting is only recently available to NGBs this compliance has not yet been extended to vetting. However, the ISC would hope to make Garda vetting a requirement for NGBs in order to secure ISC funding, in next year's applications.
87 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when the convention centre will open; the cost of this project to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7879/10]
The National Conference Centre, which is to be known as The Convention Centre Dublin, is scheduled to open on 1 September 2010.
On 5 April 2007 the contract for the provision of a National Conference Centre in Dublin was awarded to Spencer Dock Convention Centre Dublin Ltd. Under the public private partnership arrangement, Spencer Dock Convention Centre Dublin Ltd, is required to design, build and finance the National Conference Centre and to operate and maintain it for a period of 25 years, after which the facility will revert to the State. In return, once the construction of the Centre is complete and it is open for business, the State will pay the Company an annual charge, the maximum total cost of which over 25 years will be just under €380m in present day values.
89 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Taoiseach the percentage of persons under 25 years who are unemployed, as per the most recent quarterly national household survey, who previously worked in construction; the percentage of persons under 25 years who are on the live register who previously worked in construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8209/10]
The most recently published estimates from the Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) are in respect of Quarter 3 of 2009. The number of unemployed persons under the age of 25 was 74,400 representing an unemployment rate of 26.3% for that age group. Of those who did indicate their previous sector of employment, 33% of unemployed persons aged under 25 reported their most recent employment to have been in the construction sector.
With regard to the Live Register, the Department of Social and Family Affairs captures details of the latest occupation of a person who claims a jobseeker's payment. The recorded occupations are grouped into broad classes and while these do not precisely match standard classifications of sector of employment as used in the case of the QNHS, they provide a reasonable indication of the numbers coming from a particular sector. Based on these broad classifications, 28% of the 85,910 people aged under 25 on the live register at the end of January 2010 reported that their most recent employment was in a construction related occupation.
It should be noted that in the case of both the QNHS and the Live Register the information on previous employment is only collected for the most recent employment and not all previous employments.
90 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will report on her application for funding under the European globalisation adjustment fund for former employees at a company (details supplied); the additional information sought by the European Commission; if this information has been sent to the Commission; when a decision will be made on this application; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that many of the employees are in limbo until this fund has been drawn down; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8204/10]
98 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the fact that 11 months after the lay off of workers at a company (details supplied) the European globalisation fund moneys, which was to have funded retraining, upskilling and educational opportunities for the former workers has not been forthcoming; the reason for the delay and if the funds will be available forthwith, particularly to those who have recently started full time education courses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8378/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 98 together.
My Department submitted a provisional application to the European Commission in October 2009 for co-financing support from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) towards the cost of a personalised package of retraining, upskilling, entrepreneurial supports and educational opportunities for workers made redundant at the SR Technics facility in North County Dublin.
Subsequently in mid-January 2010 the European Commission sought additional information in relation to the EGF application. My Department is preparing a response to the Commission's request.
The EGF application process from initiation to final decision is a lengthy procedure involving not just the European Commission but also the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament. In the case of the EGF application in relation to redundant workers at the DELL plant in Co. Limerick the approval process took some six months. Strict eligibility criteria apply and there is no guarantee of success if a sustainable case for EGF assistance cannot be made in support of a Member State's application. My Department is seeking to ensure that such a robust case is made and sustained.
In the interim State agencies such as FÁS and Enterprise Ireland have made, and continue to make, the full range of their employment, training, guidance and advisory services available to all workers made redundant at SR Technics.
Furthermore, with a view to ascertaining those interventions, including in further and third level education, that redundant SR Technics workers might avail of in the event of a successful EGF application being made, an information event was held by a wide range of service providers in Dublin Airport in December 2009. I know that the full range of education programmes provided by the VEC and third level sector are also available to redundant SR Technics workers and that the education sector is also working to develop additional upskilling responses in anticipation of the approval of the EGF application. However, while every effort is being made to ensure such programmes can proceed as soon as possible, the further progression of any interventions to be funded specifically by the EGF must await the completion of the EGF application process.
91 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of persons from an information technology-related profession registered with FÁS; the breakdown of the professions on a county basis in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8266/10]
92 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of persons from the teaching profession registered with FÁS; the breakdown of the professions, for example, primary school teachers, secondary school teachers on a county basis in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8267/10]
93 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of persons from a construction related profession registered with FÁS; the breakdown of the professions, for example, builders, plumbers, electricians on a county basis in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8268/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 91, 92 and 93 together.
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the three tables. The figures contained in the these tables relate to those who registered with FÁS Employment Services during the last two years (2008 and 2009) and who are actively seeking work in their relevant sectors or professions.
The tables should not be considered as a total representation of all those registered with FÁS Employment Services who are qualified in the professions referred to by the Deputy. The FÁS Employment Services Management Information System is not designed to provide information on the total number of people registered with FÁS who were previously employed in a specific sector.
There may therefore be other persons registered with FÁS Employment Services who, whilst qualified in one of the areas referred to by the Deputy, may have opted to seek other types of work and will therefore not be included in the tables below. For instance a qualified craftsperson seeking work in a different sector such as the retail sector will not appear in the tables.
In relation to the construction sector, between 2008 and 2009 54,486 people registered with FÁS Employment Services under the occupation categories of skilled manual and semi-skilled/unskilled manual. It is considered that to a large extent these categories comprise persons who would have previously worked in the construction sector.
|
FÁS County/Area |
Total number of persons registered from an I.C.T background |
|
Dublin County |
1,043 |
|
Kildare County |
102 |
|
Meath County |
64 |
|
Wicklow County |
109 |
|
Cavan County |
10 |
|
Louth County |
60 |
|
Monaghan County |
6 |
|
Carlow County |
21 |
|
Kilkenny County |
33 |
|
Tipperary County |
61 |
|
Waterford County |
57 |
|
Wexford County |
70 |
|
Laois County |
42 |
|
Longford County |
14 |
|
Offaly County |
21 |
|
Roscommon County |
11 |
|
Westmeath County |
39 |
|
Cork County |
209 |
|
Kerry County |
65 |
|
Clare County |
73 |
|
Limerick County |
200 |
|
Galway County |
142 |
|
Mayo County |
35 |
|
Donegal County |
61 |
|
Leitrim County |
14 |
|
Sligo County |
22 |
|
National Total |
2,584 |
|
FÁS County/Area |
Primary School |
Secondary School |
Total |
|
Dublin County |
56 |
13 |
69 |
|
Kildare County |
6 |
1 |
7 |
|
Meath County |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Wicklow County |
12 |
3 |
15 |
|
Cavan County |
3 |
1 |
4 |
|
Louth County |
12 |
6 |
18 |
|
Monaghan County |
3 |
1 |
4 |
|
Carlow County |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
Kilkenny County |
4 |
1 |
5 |
|
Tipperary County |
17 |
3 |
20 |
|
Waterford County |
11 |
7 |
18 |
|
Wexford County |
8 |
4 |
12 |
|
Laois County |
3 |
1 |
4 |
|
Longford County |
3 |
1 |
4 |
|
Offaly County |
4 |
4 |
|
|
Roscommon County |
5 |
2 |
7 |
|
Westmeath County |
4 |
2 |
6 |
|
Cork County |
20 |
2 |
22 |
|
Kerry County |
11 |
5 |
16 |
|
Clare County |
7 |
7 |
|
|
Limerick County |
9 |
5 |
14 |
|
Galway County |
20 |
5 |
25 |
|
Mayo County |
11 |
7 |
18 |
|
Donegal County |
14 |
11 |
25 |
|
Leitrim County |
3 |
1 |
4 |
|
Sligo County |
7 |
1 |
8 |
|
National Total |
255 |
86 |
341 |
|
FÁS County/Area |
Bricklayer |
Carpenter/ Joiner |
Electrician |
Plumber |
Total Construction |
|
Dublin County |
189 |
690 |
178 |
163 |
1,220 |
|
Kildare County |
63 |
123 |
38 |
25 |
249 |
|
Meath County |
44 |
107 |
36 |
23 |
210 |
|
Wicklow County |
57 |
130 |
26 |
18 |
231 |
|
Cavan County |
23 |
50 |
8 |
12 |
93 |
|
Louth County |
54 |
91 |
30 |
17 |
192 |
|
Monaghan County |
32 |
47 |
5 |
3 |
87 |
|
Carlow County |
20 |
56 |
14 |
6 |
96 |
|
Kilkenny County |
19 |
61 |
17 |
10 |
107 |
|
Tipperary County |
43 |
133 |
40 |
26 |
242 |
|
Waterford County |
37 |
84 |
20 |
13 |
154 |
|
Wexford County |
102 |
147 |
38 |
32 |
319 |
|
Laois County |
27 |
57 |
17 |
18 |
119 |
|
Longford County |
34 |
69 |
5 |
4 |
112 |
|
Offaly County |
25 |
92 |
7 |
5 |
129 |
|
Roscommon County |
24 |
39 |
15 |
11 |
89 |
|
Westmeath County |
45 |
95 |
12 |
26 |
178 |
|
Cork County |
84 |
309 |
70 |
60 |
523 |
|
Kerry County |
85 |
153 |
28 |
14 |
280 |
|
Clare County |
42 |
75 |
13 |
15 |
145 |
|
Limerick County |
61 |
147 |
53 |
21 |
282 |
|
Galway County |
96 |
216 |
46 |
26 |
384 |
|
Mayo County |
76 |
142 |
28 |
23 |
269 |
|
Donegal County |
102 |
215 |
34 |
47 |
398 |
|
Leitrim County |
37 |
53 |
3 |
9 |
102 |
|
Sligo County |
18 |
36 |
6 |
12 |
72 |
|
National Total |
1,439 |
3,417 |
787 |
639 |
6,282 |
94 Deputy Mary Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the plans by her or the agencies under her remit to utilise office space in a town (details supplied) in County Meath; the way these plans have advanced; the services that are to be provided to the public; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8322/10]
My Department and the Agencies that come under the remit of my Department have no plans to utilise office space in the town concerned in County Meath at this point in time.
95 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason for the ongoing delay in processing applications to the insolvent fund within her Department from persons who were made redundant from a company (details supplied) in County Westmeath; when the outstanding moneys will be awarded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8326/10]
My Department administers the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) in relation to both the Redundancy and Insolvency Payments Schemes on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department has received claims for the former employees of the company concerned under both Schemes which await processing.
In relation to the Redundancy Payments Scheme there are two types of payment made from the SIF — rebates to those employers who have paid statutory redundancy to eligible employees, and statutory lump sums payable to employees whose employers are insolvent and/or in receivership/liquidation. My Department received six statutory lump sum claims over the period October/November 2009 for the former employees of the company concerned claiming inability to pay the redundancy entitlements on behalf of the employer. In respect of lump sum payments paid directly to employees, such as in this instance, the Redundancy Payments Section is, in general, processing claims dating from July 2009.
In relation to the claims under the Insolvency Payments Scheme, my Department received applications from the liquidator in respect of holiday Pay for 10 former employees of this company in the period November 2009 to February 2010. The Insolvency Payments Unit are currently processing claims received in September 2009.
The impact on business of the severe economic circumstances currently pertaining has resulted in an unprecedented increase in the level of Redundancy and Insolvency Payment claims lodged with my Department. This is impacting significantly on the capacity to maintain the customer service targets that previously obtained. The scale of the challenge on the Redundancy side is evident from the statistics that show incoming redundancy claims in 2009 amounted to 77,001 which represents a threefold increase over the level of claims lodged in 2007 and earlier years. In 2007, claims received were of the order of 25,000.
In the case of Insolvency Payments, the downturn in the economy has resulted in a significant rise in the level of company receiverships and insolvencies. Consequently, an increasing number of claims are being submitted to the Insolvency Payments Section, with 20,411 new claims received in 2009 — an increase of 78% over the corresponding period in 2008. My officials endeavour to process all claims as quickly as possible and claims are dealt with in order of date of receipt. The Section is constantly endeavouring to achieve earlier completion and payment dates.
Efforts continue to be made by my Department to deliver more acceptable turnaround processing times for both Redundancy and Insolvency payments given the difficulties that this gives rise to for both individual employees and the business community. Measures already taken during 2009 include the deployment of additional resources to those areas and the prioritization of overtime in those areas.
It is clear that these interventions are having an impact:- The number of claims processed and paid by the Redundancy Payments Section in 2009 amounted to 50,664, an increase of 70% over 2008. The number of claims processed and paid by the Insolvency Payments Section in 2009 amounted to 20,172 an increase of 108% over 2008.
The Tánaiste and I are monitoring closely the impact of these changes against the continuing influx of Redundancy and Insolvency claims. In relation to Redundancy, it is clear that additional measures are required to help reduce the backlog of claims, which currently stands in excess of 40,000. The Department is currently actively engaged in efforts to secure up to 16 additional staff resources deployed to the Redundancy area in the first quarter of 2010. In relation to Insolvency, and despite significant productivity, the backlog of claims is in excess of 5000, and efforts are being made to fill vacancies existing in the Section, and to retain experienced officers within the Unit.
96 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps she has taken to make the EU authorities aware of her displeasure at the fact that another EU country Malta was able to use state funding to attract a profitable company (details supplied) out of Ireland at the loss of hundreds of jobs; if she will provide this Deputy with a copy of the correspondence or minutes which attest to her protest. [8367/10]
Due to industrial action it is not possible to provide the information requested in the time available.
97 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason she did not intervene and nationalise a company (details supplied) in 2009 prior to the abandonment of workers at that facility and the closure of an important transport servicing company. [8368/10]
99 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps she has taken in the past 11 months to locate alternative employment for the workers of a company (details supplied) who were laid off last year. [8379/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 97 and 99 together.
Following the decision by SR Technics, IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, at my request, formed a project team to promote the operation through the IDA Ireland overseas network and to meet with and assess expressions of interest in the operation.
On September 2nd 2009, I announced the establishment of Dublin Aerospace Ltd, a new aviation maintenance provider supported by Government through Enterprise Ireland. Dublin Aerospace aims to establish a best-in-class Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Dublin Airport, servicing APUs, Landing Gear, Base Maintenance and Training. The company has commenced operations with 70 initial employees recruited. This number is anticipated to grow to 226 jobs.
The Garage business unit of SR Technics has been taken over by the M50 Truck and Van Centre who were successful in securing the airside vehicle maintenance contract from SR Technics.
Aer Lingus have decided to undertake line maintenance operations previously contracted to SRT. A number of employees are transferring from SRT to the new line maintenance operation at Aer Lingus.
While the decision of SR Technics to move operations from Ireland is regrettable, the relocation of companies, and with them jobs, is a reality of the modern global economic environment for a highly developed economy such as Ireland. This shift in the structure of international trade poses challenges to economic policy makers in all developed countries, not just Ireland. It must be remembered that Ireland also experiences the benefits resulting from globalisation as new markets and business opportunities open up for Irish companies.
The Government, through IDA Ireland, are committed to continued marketing of Ireland as a location for companies interested in establishing aircraft maintenance and aviation engineering businesses.
100 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Finance the State bodies, State boards and organisations funded by Departments; the full funding each body received for the financial years 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8335/10]
There are a great many State bodies, State boards and organisations funded by Government Departments, including some 112 non-commercial semi-state bodies (NCSSBs) operating under the aegis of the various Government Departments as well hospitals, universities and other third level institutions, health related bodies, just over 300 local and regional bodies and various ad-hoc and advisory bodies. It would not be practicable to set out full details of their Exchequer and other financing in the context of a single Parliamentary Question reply.
However, a comprehensive overview of the NCSSBs and their financing is set out each year in the Revised Estimates Volume (REV), which includes summary information in respect of the NCSSBs and more detailed "agency statements" in respect of many of them. The 2010 REV is due to be published tomorrow and I would refer the Deputy to that document for the relevant information in respect of 2009 and 2010.
101 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Finance the budget provided to the Disabled Drivers Appeals Board for the years 2000 to 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8424/10]
102 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Finance the number of clinics held outside of Dublin by the Disabled Drivers Appeals Board each year from 2000 to 2009; if clinics will be held in Cork or other areas outside Dublin in 2010; the number of persons assessed at these clinics; the cost of these clinics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8425/10]
103 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Finance the waiting list for persons awaiting assessment by the disabled drivers appeals board; the number of persons on the waiting list for the Cork clinic; the number of people on the waiting list for clinics in other areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8426/10]
107 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons with disabilities claiming tax reliefs for the purchase and use of vehicles as drivers or passengers in each year from 2000 to 2009; the average tax relief received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8427/10]
108 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Finance if delays in the disabled drivers appeals boards assessment of persons, particularly persons outside of Dublin, applying for disabled drivers and passengers tax relief has affected the number of persons now claiming this tax relief; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8428/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 101 to 103, inclusive, and 107 and 108 together.
The Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal is hosted by the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH), Rochestown Avenue, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin on behalf of the Department of Finance and the cost of the Board has been recouped to the NRH since 2005 from the Department of Finance Vote. I am therefore providing information in relation to costs for 2005 and the following years.
|
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
|
€276,520 |
€279,653 |
€285,539 |
€320,323 |
€371,467 |
The above costs include the salary costs of the Chairperson of the Board who is a consultant with the NRH and Beaumont Hospital.
I understand from the Chairperson of the Medical Board of Appeal, (which is independent in the exercise of its functions), that there are currently no delays for people awaiting an assessment by the Board of Appeal. Clinics are normally held in Dublin and 30 people are generally invited to attend for assessment at a clinic. From time to time, persons appealing a decision not to grant them a Primary Medical Certificate decline an assessment in Dublin. I understand that there is only a very small number of applicants seeking a clinic in Cork. When sufficient numbers warrant it, a clinic is held outside Dublin. Since 2000 three Regional clinics have been held in Cork, the most recent in 2006. The Medical Board of Appeal have informed me that they propose to hold a clinic outside Dublin later in the year.
The tax concessions available under the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme for a qualifying person are as follows.
For a disabled driver, the relief (from VRT and VAT) is a maximum of €9,525, with excise relief on up to 600 gallons (2728 litres) of fuel per annum.
For a disabled passenger the relief (from VRT and VAT) is a maximum of €15,875, with excise relief on up to 600 gallons (2728 litres) of fuel per annum
Organisations looking after the disabled are entitled to a relief of €15,875 per vehicle and excise relief on up to 900 gallons (4092 litres) of fuel per annum.
Vehicles coming under the scheme are also exempt from annual road tax.
In the year of purchase of a car a claimant receives benefits relating to the purchase of the car, fuel relief and road tax, in other years the benefits received are in respect of fuel and road tax.
The number of claims for VRT relief under the scheme, and the cost of the tax concessions (VRT, VAT and Excise on Fuel) from 2000 is set out in the following table. The cost of the exemption from annual road tax is not readily available but it is estimated to have been around €8m in 2008, bringing the overall cost of the scheme in that year to around €76m. The average total annualised value of the above benefits is estimated at around €5,500 per claimant in that year.
|
Year |
Number of claims for VRT relief on the purchase of vehicles(a) |
Costs of VRT, VAT and relief from excise duty on fuel |
|
€m |
||
|
2000 |
3,399 |
27.0 |
|
2001 |
3,420 |
30.5 |
|
2002 |
3,806 |
34.7 |
|
2003 |
3,720 |
36.0 |
|
2004 |
4,447 |
45.1 |
|
2005 |
4,773 |
49.5 |
|
2006 |
5,612 |
59.3 |
|
2007 |
6,127 |
66.4 |
|
2008 |
6,405 |
68.3 |
|
2009 |
4,572 |
48.0 |
(a) It is estimated that the number of people in the Scheme is around 2.1 times the annual number of VRT claimants in a normal year. Beneficiaries under the scheme generally change vehicles around every two years.
104 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the seven year extension to the tax relief on mortgages; if a person who drew down their mortgage in November 2003 but only received two months relief in respect of 2003 can be included in this as their first year was up in November 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8221/10]
The position is that tax relief is available for mortgage interest paid on a qualifying home loan, i.e. a loan used for the purchase, repair, development or improvement of an individual's principal private residence and is operated through the tax relief at source (TRS) system. In my Supplementary Budget 2009, I announced that mortgage interest relief for first-time and non-first time buyers was being limited to the first seven tax years for which an individual has entitlement to relief.
In Budget 2010, I announced that I would be extending mortgage interest relief up to the end of 2017 for those whose entitlement to relief was due to end in 2010 or after.
In addition, qualifying loans taken out on or before 31 December 2011 will continue to get relief at current levels. Qualifying loans taken out in 2012 will receive the relief at a reduced rate. The reduced rate will be 15% for first-time buyers and 10% for non-first time buyers with ceilings of €6,000 per annum for married couples and €3,000 per annum for single individuals applying in both cases. Loans taken out on or after 1 January 2013 will not qualify for mortgage interest relief and the relief will be abolished completely for the tax year 2018 and subsequent tax years.
In the case outlined by the Deputy, the individual was entitled to a full year's relief at the appropriate rate for interest repayments up to the annual ceiling, in November and December 2003, and a full year's relief in respect of interest repayments made up to the annual ceiling, in each of the six succeeding tax years.
105 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance his views on a proposal (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8237/10]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they already have a number of Public Offices serving the Border area (at Letterkenny, Bridgend and Donegal Town in Co. Donegal, at Sligo, Monaghan and Dundalk). These offices are available to provide a range of Revenue services to cross-Border workers. The offices already deal on a regular basis with tax enquires relating to cross border employments from Irish resident individuals. The tax treatment of these individuals is relatively straightforward in the majority of cases and can be resolved without difficulty at the existing Public Offices. There are good liaison and communications channels with the equivalent UK authorities. There is no evidence that the need for a dedicated liaison office exists at this time. Any such provision may result in unnecessary duplication of services and staff redeployment would be likely to impact on service provision in other offices. If the Deputy is aware of individual cases experiencing difficulties, he may wish to contact the local office of the Revenue Commissioners.
106 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Finance if he has given consideration to a third banking force; the discussions he has had with the banking sector regarding same; his views on whether a third banking sector would enhance confidence in the sector and competitiveness throughout the economy; his further views on whether there is a role for, or he is proposing to have discussions with a bank (details supplied) regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8273/10]
As independent bodies, it is a matter in the first instance for the financial institutions themselves, whether covered by the Bank Guarantee Scheme or not, to consider and determine their strategic arrangements, subject of course to necessary regulatory, competition and other relevant requirements.
Regarding the State's role, its primary consideration continues to be to protect, in the public interest, the financial and economic system of the State. The public support that has so far been provided to individual institutions and to the system as a whole has been provided to achieve that objective. Where State capital support has or will be provided to individual institutions, or in the circumstance of an institution coming within the NAMA support framework, it has or will be necessary to submit a restructuring plan for the relevant institution to the EU Commission. So far, restructuring submissions have been made for Anglo Irish Bank, Bank of Ireland and AIB. These plans are currently being considered by the Commission. The outcome of that restructuring plan process will have to be taken on board by the relevant financial institutions and the State. Depending upon final decisions, such an outcome may have implications for the structure of banking in Ireland.
I have made clear that I will be insisting that the restructuring plan process leads to a reformed and reinvigorated banking system that can serve our economy in a proper manner. However, it is too early in the process to outline a definitive shape for that new system within which there has to be scope for all credit institutions operating in the Irish market to play their full part.
109 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Finance the short to medium term proposals he has in relation to the site earmarked for decentralisation of Ordnance Survey Ireland to Dungarvan, County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8430/10]
The Government has decided to defer elements of its Decentralisation Programme for further consideration until 2011.
Accordingly, any decision on the future, or otherwise, of the site purchased in Dungarvan for the Ordnance Survey will be made in the context of that decision.
110 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent of support that will be provided by her Department for youth services such as youth clubs or other indoor facilities in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8416/10]
The Children and Youth Services Development Unit of my Department provides support by way of financial and other assistance to organisations providing youth work programmes and youth work services. Support consists mainly of grant-in-aid assistance for national and major regional youth organisations under the Youth Service Grant Scheme, targeted youth work responses for young people through the Special Projects for Youth Scheme and support for youth clubs and groups at a local level through the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme. Funding is also made available to youth projects and facilities under the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund (YPFSF). The YPFSF assists in the development of facilities and services for young people in disadvantaged areas where a significant drug problem exists or has the potential to develop.
The budget for 2010 for the Children and Youth Services Development Unit of my Department is €64.89m. The process of determining my Department's financial allocations to the Youth Work Sector for 2010 is underway. The focus will be on consolidating, insofar as possible, existing provision and services in the Youth Sector. Every effort will be made to notify the various youth work organisations and administering agencies of their allocations as speedily as possible.
111 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made to date on the appointment of additional consultants, specialists nurses and therapists to the cystic fibrosis team based in the Mid West Regional Hospital, Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8206/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
112 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the need for the designation of an endocrinologist to Letterkenny General Hospital; if her further attention has been drawn to the fact that 5.7% of Donegal’s population has Type I or Type II diabetes and the importance of paediatric services in County Donegal for diabetics; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8214/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
114 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding closed wards in Our Lady’s Children's Hospital, Crumlin, Dublin 12; her views on the difficulties these closures present for patients and families; when St. Joseph’s ward will re-open; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8233/10]
Each hospital funded by the HSE is required to deliver services within the financial allocation provided. In common with all hospitals, Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin is faced with the challenge of delivering a high quality service to its patients, while remaining within budget.
The priority of the HSE and hospital management at Our Lady's Children's Hospital is to ensure that services at the hospital are maintained at an optimum level and to protect patient care. The HSE is involved in ongoing discussions with hospital management regarding its 2010 financial allocation and Service Plan and the exact services to be provided in the hospital during the year will be addressed in this context.
The HSE is pursuing ways in which services across the three Dublin paediatric hospitals can best be coordinated, to avoid unnecessary duplication and to achieve savings that can be put back into patient care. A Paediatric Hospitals Operations Group has now been established for ongoing network management and enhanced integration of the three paediatric hospitals in advance of the transfer to the new paediatric hospital.
115 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children further to funding being granted for a project (details supplied) when construction work will begin; the timeframe for opening this centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8234/10]
As the Deputy's question relates to a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
116 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will assist in increasing a service in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [8239/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
117 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will respond to the report published recently by a foundation (details supplied) which recommends increased State financial support to replace dependence on mobile phone recycling; the extension to age six as the qualifying cut off point of State support for services, the last two years of which are currently borne by the foundation from their annual fund-raising; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8272/10]
The HSE provided funding of €585,000 to the Jack and Jill Foundation in 2009 and will be happy to consider the report "There's no Place like Home" as part of its engagement with the Foundation this year.
Neither my Department nor the HSE were involved in the preparation of this report. I agree that, in general, children's needs are most appropriately met and provided in the home, and that we need to ensure more efficient use of resources. However, many children availing of services provided by the Jack and Jill Foundation also avail of other disability services, and the report did not compare the respective costs of the home based care provided by the Foundation with the cost of similar services provided by the HSE.
The current economic and budgetary position means we can only continue to fund new services by reducing costs and greater efficiency, including achieving greater integration of services provided by the statutory and non-statutory sectors. I should mention in this context that my Department is undertaking a review of the efficiency and effectiveness of the health and personal services provided to people with disabilities. This review is part of the Government's Value for Money and Policy Review programme. The review will focus, in particular, on the scope for achieving greater efficiency and effectiveness from the substantial resources expended on services for people with disabilities, and will support the future planning and development of such services. I can assure the Deputy that the issues raised in the Jack and Jill Report will be considered as part of that review.
118 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on her Department’s preparations prior to the expiry of the bilateral agreement 2004 to 2009 between Ireland and Vietnam; if she will detail the planning and co-ordination of these preparations; the reason neither the Adoption Board nor a company (details supplied) were informed of the planned full suspension of the agreement; if reports of this company, another organisation or the Adoption Board were considered prior to the suspension of the agreement; and if she will make a further statement on the lack of communication, particularly with advocacy groups. [8320/10]
Substantive work in relation to a new draft Bi-lateral Agreement for Inter-country Adoption with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam was undertaken in the year leading up to the expiry of the previous agreement. As early as February 2008 officials visited Vietnam to discuss with Vietnamese authorities the operation of the agreement and related issues. In October 2008, the Government decided not to roll over the existing bilateral agreement. This was communicated to the Vietnamese authorities at that time through formal diplomatic channels. A further visit to Vietnam by an Irish delegation for discussions took place in November 2008 for the express purpose of discussing a new bilateral agreement.
In March 2009, a draft of a new agreement was provided to the Vietnamese authorities for their consideration. In response to an invitation from the Vietnamese Government a delegation from Ireland travelled to Hanoi in April 2009 to discuss the draft Agreement. The delegation was led by the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (OMCYA) and was assisted by the Adoption Board. Discussions were facilitated and guided locally by the Irish Embassy in Hanoi. In addition, I travelled to Vietnam in June 2009 to engage in further discussions.
In the process of re-negotiating the bilateral agreement on intercountry adoption with Vietnam serious issues came to light in relation to the Vietnamese adoption process. The issues were contained in the report on intercountry adoption commissioned by UNICEF and the Vietnamese Ministry of Justice and carried out by International Social Services (ISS). An earlier report published last August by the Vietnamese Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) was also considered in this regard. The UNICEF/ISS report, which was accepted by the Vietnamese Government, "proposes that Vietnam suspends intercountry adoptions for the necessary period during the year 2010 that will enable it to ensure optimal implementation of the Hague Convention and to prepare for the entry into force of the new law on adoption in 2011". The Report also raises serious questions regarding adoption practices in Vietnam.
Having considered the contents of the two reports the Government decided, on 13th of January, to suspend indefinitely negotiations on a new bilateral intercountry adoption agreement with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. As a result of this decision, all intercountry adoptions from Vietnam are suspended until such time as the Adoption Bill 2009 has been enacted and both Ireland and Vietnam have ratified the provisions of the Hague Convention.
At all times, I have personally apprised the representative groups of developments through regular meetings as soon as any new information became available. I met with all of the representative bodies at each stage of the process and prepared statements which were shared with the groups which were later posted on my Office's website. Regular meetings with representative groups were a priority during this period. This remains the position to this day. In relation to the agency mentioned by the Deputy, this agency is a mediation agency involved in processing applications in Vietnam and has had no role in the negotiation of a new bilateral agreement with the Vietnamese authorities.
119 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will replace the secretary of the adoption agency at the Health Service Executive, Sligo where files have been increasing for some time and where adoptive parents are having their applications and documentation delayed after all the work they have put into the process; and if she will alleviate their stress by having this appointment made. [8332/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
120 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children the timeframe in place to implement the community based policies for mental health treatment set out in A Vision For Change in County Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8339/10]
As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
121 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the rationale for the dismantling of the local front office service throughout the Health Service Executive for the processing of medical card applications and its replacement by a centralised back office operation. [8348/10]
Following the change in medical card eligibility for persons aged 70 and over in the Health Act 2008, the Health Service Executive (HSE) through its Service Plan for 2009, advised the Department of its decision to centralise the processing of all medical card and GP visit card applications and renewals to the Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) in Dublin. The HSE has indicated that this decision was taken in the context of the Executive's requirements to make efficiencies in business practices that could realise savings in a very challenging economic environment and provide a modern service to the public within sustainable levels of expenditure.
I fully support the HSE's decision to centralise the processing of all medical card applications and reviews. I wrote to all Oireachtas members on 19th January 2010 outlining a range of measures being employed by the Executive to address issues arising from this initiative and I also referred to the various enhancements that this process will facilitate upon completion.
122 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the estimated year cost for 2010 of the primary care reimbursement service with a breakdown of costs for staff, premises, equipment, security and so on. [8349/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
123 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff and their grades in the primary care reimbursement service, PCRS, at 31 December 2008; the number of staff and their grades in the PCRS at 30 June 2009; the number of staff and their grades in the PCRS at 31 December 2009; if the staff member was recruited from outside or inside the Health Service Executive in each category; the number of staff who previously did this work that have been redeployed; the numbers concerned; and the total staff costs of the PCRS at each of these three dates. [8354/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
124 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of free school places being made available under the free pre-school year in early childhood care and education scheme in county Meath; if she will provide a breakdown of the numbers by town in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8384/10]
I have responsibility for the free Preschool Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme which was introduced in January of this year. Approximately 4,000 preschool services throughout the country are participating in the ECCE scheme. Each service participating in the scheme was required to send an electronic return to my Office in January giving details of children enrolled. These returns are currently being processed and full details of the number of children availing of the scheme will be available shortly. The information which is being collected will be broken down by reference to the 33 areas covered by the City and County Childcare Committees (CCCs). However, a full list of participating services within each CCC area will also be available. Based on the information processed to date I am advised that over 51,000 children have enrolled for a free preschool year place and that approximately 2,400 of these are enrolled in County Meath.
125 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if a review will be undertaken following change to speech and language therapy sessions in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who currently has one hour per week, every week and who has been informed that same will change; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8412/10]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
126 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied). [8431/10]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
127 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8223/10]
The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, provides that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform may, in his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation provided certain statutory conditions are fulfilled. In the case of a non-Irish national applicant who is the spouse of an Irish citizen those conditions are that the applicant must:
be of full age
be of good character
be married to the Irish citizen for at least 3 years
be in a marriage recognised under the laws of the State as subsisting
be living together as husband and wife with the Irish spouse
have had a period of one year's continuous residency in the island of Ireland immediately before the date of the application and, during the four years immediately preceding that period, have had a total residence in the island of Ireland amounting to two years.
intend in good faith to continue to reside in the island of Ireland after naturalisation
have made, either before a Judge of the District Court in open court or in such a manner as the Minister, for special reasons allows, a declaration in the prescribed manner, of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State.
Section 16 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended provides that I can exercise my absolute discretion to waive some or all of the statutory requirements for naturalisation in certain circumstances, e.g. where the applicant is of Irish descent or Irish associations, where the applicant is a person who is a refugee within the meaning of the United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees or where the person is the spouse of an Irish citizen or a naturalised person. It is open to the person concerned to lodge an application for a certificate of naturalisation with the Citizenship Division of my Department if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements. Further details and forms are available on the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Services website at http://www.inis.gov.ie.
128 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the expenditure by the National Property Services Regulatory Authority from its inception to date in 2010; the budget for 2010; the work carried out by this authority since 2004 on a day-to-day basis; the number of staff employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8216/10]
I wish to refer the Deputy to my replies to Question No. 486 of 22 April, 2009 and Question No. 349 of 9 February, 2010. With regard to the information requested concerning the Authority's 2010 budget and its expenditure in earlier years I wish to refer the Deputy to the Abridged Estimates Volume for Public Services 2010 and the Revised Estimates for Public Services for each of the years concerned. Copies of the Abridged Estimates Volume for Public Services and the Revised Estimates for Public Services are available at www.finance.gov.ie and in the Oireachtas Library.
129 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an application for naturalisation will be prioritised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8219/10]
All valid applications are dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. The average processing time from application to decision is now at 26 months. More complicated cases can at times take more than the current average, while an element of straight forward cases can be dealt with in less than that timescale. Additional resources have been allocated to the Citizenship Division of my Department in order to reduce backlogs and provide a better quality service to all applicants. This has had a positive impact on processing times and has enabled certain categories of applicant to be dealt with more expeditiously. These include refugees, spouses of Irish citizens and minors.
The length of time taken to process each application should not be classified as a delay, as the length of time taken for any application to be decided is purely a function of the time taken to carry out necessary checks. There is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved as applications for naturalisation must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria.
130 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for asylum in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [8220/10]
I refer the Deputy to my detailed Reply to his recent Parliamentary Question, No. 281 of Tuesday, 10 November, 2009, in this matter. The position in the State of the person concerned is as set out in that Reply.
131 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the year in which the Garda code of ethics was adopted. [8227/10]
Section 17(1) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 provides that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform shall by regulation establish a Code of Ethics that includes standards of conduct and practice for members of the Garda Síochána. Section 17(2) requires the Commissioner to prepare, at my request, a draft Code of Ethics. The Commissioner has submitted this draft Code and the necessary regulations are in the course of being drafted by Parliamentary Counsel.
132 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the sentencing laws for sex offenders; if a life sentence has ever been handed down for a sexual offence; if re-offenders are automatically given a life sentence; how communities will be protected from repeat offenders who are released from jail and move into particular neighbourhoods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8235/10]
The Sex Offenders Act 2001 contains a comprehensive set of provisions aimed at protecting children and other persons. The Act makes persons convicted of a range of sexual offences subject to notification requirements under its Part 2, including notification of changes of address. The provisions of the Act also extend to any offenders convicted abroad of the same range of sexual offences who enter the State, including from Northern Ireland.
Under section 10 of the Act, offenders are required to notify the Garda Síochána of their name and home address within seven days of becoming subject to the notification requirement. Notification is made at any Garda divisional or district headquarters and may be done so in person or by post. Thereafter, offenders must, within seven days of the event, notify the Gardaí of any subsequent changes to their name or address. Offenders who leave the State for an intended continuous period of seven days or more must inform the Gardaí in advance of their leaving.
An Garda Síochána has a system in place for the monitoring of all persons subject to these requirements. The Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Investigation Unit monitors and manages the notification provisions and maintains all information relating to persons who have obligations under the Act. There is a nominated Garda Inspector in each Garda Division who has responsibility for the monitoring of persons subject to the requirements of the Act in their Division. As soon as the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Investigation Unit is advised by a relevant authority, such as the Irish Prison Service, the Courts Service or a foreign law enforcement agency, of the impending release or movement of a sex offender, this information is immediately passed to the nominated Inspector.
A High Level Group set up by my Department and also involving An Garda Síochána, the Irish Prison Service, the Probation Service and the HSE is examining the arrangements in place for the management of sex offenders with a view to strengthening inter-agency co-operation and further enhancing public protection and safety. The group's remit includes a review of the procedures and legislation relating to the assessment, monitoring and supervision of convicted sex offenders.
I am currently reviewing the criminal law on sexual offences, including the provisions of the Sex Offenders Act 2001. The review is taking into account the relevant legislative provisions in force in Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom. Should the need for changes to the law in this area be identified, I will bring proposals to Government seeking approval for the preparation of appropriate amendments to the legislation.
The criminal law contains a range of penalties for sexual offences, including, under the Criminal Law (Rape) (Amendment) Act 1990, imprisonment for life on conviction on indictment for aggravated sexual assault and rape (section 4). The courts are, subject only to the Constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions. With regard to statistical information on sentences, the Courts Service is independent in the performance of its functions under the Courts Service Act 1998, which includes (under section 5(c)) the provision of statistical and other related information.
133 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons who were appointed to the Garda Reserve nationally and in County Wexford during 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8252/10]
I regret that the information requested by the Deputy is not readily to hand. I will write to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
134 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Question No. 193 of 4 February 2010, if he will report on the precise occasions on which the youth justice service engaged with staff interests in the Finglas child and adolescent service in respect of his Department’s proposals to relocate this service to Oberstown; and if, in the absence of basic information regarding the future careers of these staff members, he will take steps to ensure that staff are no longer left in the dark in this regard. [8338/10]
The position is as set out in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 193 on 4th February, 2010. I have also of course dealt with this matter in previous replies to a number of Parliamentary Questions.
I can confirm that the Board of Management, Director of the Centre, and all of the Unions representing staff working in the Centre were informed of my decision to close the Centre last August. Discussions with the Unions on arrangements for closure of the Centre have been ongoing since then.
At the request of SIPTU, one of the unions involved, the matter was first referred for conciliation to the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) in August 2009, and the first conciliation conference took place on 24 September, 2009. IMPACT, which has a number of members in the centre, is also involved in this process.
I am informed by the Irish Youth Justice Service (IYJS) that the parties have met in the LRC on two occasions since then — 20 November 2009 and most recently last week, 8 February, 2010, when the IYJS presented its proposals for consideration in relation to the closure and the transfer of staff and services. The parties also met on 21 December 2009 in the Centre to progress matters. IYJS is actively engaged in this process and intends to provide additional information at the request of the conciliation officer, at the next meeting in the LRC which is due to take place later this week. There is also ongoing continuous dialogue with the Director of the Centre, outside of the LRC process, with regard to all relevant issues in this regard.
I am further informed that the Directors and other senior managers from all of the Detention Schools meet regularly with senior managers from the IYJS to deal with the integration of the services and functions of the schools, including the integration of services and staff from the Finglas Centre to the remaining schools which are located in Oberstown, Lusk, County Dublin. These discussions are ongoing and are chaired by the National Director of the IYJS.
I appreciate the implications for the staff involved but I hope that agreement can be reached on the arrangements that need to be made and I have asked that my officials continue to keep me updated in this regard.
135 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the next group of Garda Reserve will be taken in for training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8351/10]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the next intake for training as members of the Garda Reserve will be in March 2010.
136 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the tendering procedure for the supply of food and provisions to the Prison Service. [8373/10]
It has not been possible to provide the information sought by the Deputy in the time available for reply. The information will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
137 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the widespread concern among the public and the Garda regarding juvenile crime; if he has familiarised himself with the reason for the reluctance of the Children Court to hand down custodial sentences; his views on the fact that in many cases there is no deterrent to young persons in breaking the law; and his policy in respect of juvenile crime. [8375/10]
Tackling youth crime is a key priority for this Government. The Government's policy on youth crime is set out in detail in the National Youth Justice Strategy 2008-2010. This strategy is underpinned by the principles of the Children Act 2001, as amended. The Act states explicitly that a period of detention should only be imposed as a measure of last resort and that a court dealing with a child charged with an offence should have due regard to the protection of society, the interests of the victim of the offence and the child's best interests.
The approach adopted by the Government involves the deployment of Garda Juvenile Liaison Officers and the use of measures such as the Garda Diversion Programme, Garda Youth Diversion Projects, Young Persons Probation Projects, community sanctions and the incremental process of warnings, good behaviour contracts and anti-social behaviour orders, all of which attempt to confront youth crime and related behaviours in an incremental way. The combination of these various measures, with detention as a last resort, offer a comprehensive and effective response to the question of youth crime.
It is important to note that these measures do not provide an easy option for young offenders. They are designed to tackle offending behaviour and can also involve close supervision, curfews and other restrictions. There is a comprehensive range of measures available to the courts, including, where appropriate, sufficient places to meet the needs of the courts for the detention of young offenders. It is important to note, however, that the imposition of any particular sanction is a matter for the courts.
138 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the report of the expert group on children’s detention services, which recommends the development of 167 places for young persons detained by the courts; if the provision of this number of places is still his objective; if not, the number of places it is proposed to provide and the basis for this figure. [8383/10]
Following consideration of the report of the interdepartmental Expert Group on Children Detention Schools, in March 2008 the Government approved the development of new national children detention facilities at Oberstown, Lusk, Co. Dublin.
The Office of Public Works has been charged with designing the new facilities and managing the construction stage of the project which will be undertaken in phases. The design stage is well advanced with both concept and sketch designs to deliver a total of 167 detention places, to include a mixture of new build and existing facilities on the Oberstown Campus, having been completed.
The estimate by the Expert Group of likely future capacity demand of 167 places was based on an analysis of trends in juvenile detention along with data sets from An Garda Síochána, the National Juvenile Office, the Courts Service (and others) and general population projections produced by the Central Statistics Office for the under 18 age group. The 167 places includes provision for 16 to 17 year old boys, a group which is currently housed in St. Patrick's Institution. As committed to in the report of the Expert Group (www.iyjs.ie), the IYJS continues to keep the capacity requirement under review.
The Deputy will be aware that tendering for construction of the new facilities will be subject to Government approval and to the necessary funding being made available.
139 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of personnel assigned to the Garda traffic corps; when the Garda traffic corps will reach its 1,200 target; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8385/10]
I regret that the information requested by the Deputy is not readily to hand. I will write to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
140 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of tourist visas to Ireland issued by the Beijing office for the years 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8387/10]
I regret to advise the Deputy that it is not possible to provide a response to his Question at this time. The information sought by the Deputy will be provided at a later date.
141 Deputy Mary Alexandra White asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the additional resources and measures he is introducing to deal with the increase in applications for Garda clearance of students studying health-related courses and who cannot participate in work experience programmes without such clearance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8438/10]
The Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) provides employment vetting for a large number of organisations in Ireland registered with the Gardaí for this purpose and which employ persons in a full-time, part-time, voluntary or training capacity to work with children and/or vulnerable adults.
The GCVU has also managed a very significant increase in the numbers of applications it receives each year, rising from 137,600 in 2006 to 246,194 in 2009. The processing time for vetting applications fluctuates during the year due to seasonal demands when the volume of applications received from certain sectors can increase, for training placements for example. Additional time may be required to process an individual vetting application in cases where clarification is required as to the details provided or where other enquiries need to be made. There will always a time period required to process a vetting application. However, the Gardaí make every effort to reduce this to the minimum possible consistent with carrying out the necessary checks. I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the average processing time for valid vetting applications received at the GCVU may vary from four to five weeks in quieter periods to between eight to ten weeks at times of peak demand.
The allocation of Garda resources, including personnel, is a matter for the Garda Commissioner. There is currently a total of 78 personnel assigned to the vetting unit, including six Gardaí and 72 Garda civilian personnel. This represents a very significant increase in the level of personnel assigned to the unit, which stood at only 13 before the current process of development in Garda vetting began in 2005.
142 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons who have become undocumented following their involvement in the residence permit renewal process for persons who were granted residency here under the Irish born child 2005 scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8439/10]
143 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that persons have lost their jobs due to the fact that they were unable to renew their residence permits, despite following the instructions advertised by his Department and in situations where employers have tried to contact the Garda National Immigration Bureau seeking clarification of their employees’ residence status and permission to continue in employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8440/10]
144 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that while some migrants who were unable to renew their residence permits were offered a three month temporary residence permit as a stop gap measure were being charged €150 for these temporary permits; if he will ensure that they are not then charged another €150 for their three year permit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8441/10]
145 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will ensure that a penalty, financial or otherwise, will not be imposed on persons who were involved in the residence permit renewal process; if he will assure such persons that it will not jeopardise future citizenship applications. [8442/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 142 to 145, inclusive, together.
I wish to inform the Deputy that I am aware of the situation to which he refers, which is specific to the parents of Irish Born Children granted permission to remain in the State under the IBC/05 Scheme. Currently, IBC renewals are being effected by Immigration Officers in the Garda National Immigration Bureau and by local immigration officers outside Dublin.
A total of 14,139 parents are due to have their permission to remain in the State renewed over the course of 2010, with a high proportion of renewals arising in the six month period from May to October. It is not possible to give an exact figure as regards the number of parents currently undocumented. I wish to inform the Deputy that the renewal of permission to remain for those persons in employment whose permission is due to expire is being prioritised.
Persons involved in the IBC renewal process are expected to pay the current €150 registration fee. There are persons who were granted a three month temporary residence — mainly for work or travel related reasons — and who were charged the registration fee of €150. A further fee of €150 will be charged by the GNIB for renewing their permission for a further three years when this renewal arises. However, persons who have paid this additional fee can apply for and be considered for a refund of this amount.
Registrations under the renewal process will not be backdated by the GNIB so it is in the interests of all persons renewing permission to ensure that they have no gaps in their residency.
146 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the role he will play to ensure that the EU and UN accelerate the resettlement of hundreds of Roma families that are living in temporary camps constructed by the UN administration in Kosovo and who are suffering from severe lead poisoning which is being compounded by the ongoing delays in relocating persons at risk; his views on the urgency of this matter in view of the number of Roma children living in these camps in view of the fact that they are particularly susceptible to the effects of lead poisoning. [8231/10]
The Government takes a close interest in the situation of Roma families in Kosovo and, in particular, those living in temporary camps which are exposed to high levels of lead contamination.
The Taoiseach raised the living conditions of the Roma when he met President Sejdiu and Prime Minister Thaci during his visit to Kosovo on 22 December 2008. The Deputy will also be aware that the matter was the subject of an adjournment debate on 25 November 2008, when my colleague, Peter Power T.D., emphasised Ireland's support for all efforts to address the plight of the residents in these camps.
My officials regularly raise the issue at senior level within the EU both in Brussels and in Kosovo. An official of my Department met last October with the Head of Operations of the European Commission Liaison Office (ECLO) in Kosovo. This is the EU body charged with co-ordinating national and international efforts to secure a long-term sustainable solution to the difficulties facing the Roma community in Kosovo. Our Ambassador in Budapest, who is accredited to Kosovo, followed up on the matter with the EU Presidency in Pristina last November.
The ECLO has drawn up a €5m project to help resolve this humanitarian problem in cooperation with the Government of Kosovo and USAID. ECLO signed a contract with an NGO (Mercy Corps Scotland) on 14 December 2009 to implement it. The objective is to resettle and reintegrate up to 90 Roma families living in camps in North Mitrovica. It also includes provision for medical services and the treatment of children from the camps as well as access to education and other social services.
I am pleased to report that the project started on 1 February as planned and will be carried out over the next two and a half years. On 8 February, an official of my Department discussed its implementation with the Head of the ECLO during a meeting of the International Steering Group on Kosovo.
Together with our EU partners, we will continue to pursue the question of Roma resettlement with the responsible authorities and monitor the implementation of this ECLO project. Our objective is to contribute to the closure of the Osterode and Cesmin Lug camps.
The Deputy will also wish to note that Ireland has supported a broad range of projects to assist the Roma community in the Western Balkans region, including Kosovo. From 2005 to 2009, Irish Aid allocated €850,000 towards development and educational projects with the Roma community in Kosovo. In addition, Ireland contributed €200,000 to the World Bank's Roma Education Fund, which works in eleven countries in Central and Eastern Europe, including Kosovo.
147 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the impact on the citizens of Gaza of the removal of EU funding for fuel to operate the Gaza power station; his views on the thinking behind this proposal; if he has supported same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8265/10]
Electricity supplies in Gaza during 2009 were generally stable at about 202 Megawatts — 120 MW supplied by and purchased from Israel, 17 MW purchased from Egypt, and 65MW produced in the Gaza Power Plant. This is estimated to be about 70% of the total demand for power in Gaza, if all domestic, civic and normal commercial needs were met. The Gaza Power Plant operates at reduced capacity because, under the current blockade, Israel limits import of fuel oil for the generator to 2.2 million litres per week (full capacity generating would use 3.3 million litres per week). As a result, power rationing in Gaza is frequent, and many users have recourse to private generators. The running of the power plant below capacity, and frequent shutting down of one or other of the turbines, increases wear and tear on the system. This, linked with the shortage of spare parts, leads to breakdowns and more power outages.
The Palestinian Authority pays for the purchase of power from Israel and Egypt, and the provision of fuel for the Gaza Power Plant. The European Union and its Member States provide extensive financial support for the Palestinian people through the Palestinian Authority. This formerly included funding to the PA specifically for fuel for Gaza.
In November 2009, at the initiative of the Palestinian Authority, EU financial support to the PA was restructured so that the level of support remained the same, but less was tied to specific spending headings. This is in line with the general intention to allow the PA, to the greatest extent possible, to set its own priorities. The EU has maintained its support at the same level, but no longer specifies that a given portion must be spent on fuel. It is not correct, as has been suggested in material recently circulated to Deputies, that EU funding has been withdrawn, or that budget pressures were a factor.
The Palestinian Authority agreed with the EU in November 2009 that it would remain responsible for electricity provision in Gaza, and would maintain provision of fuel oil. Substantial quantities of fuel have been transported into Gaza for this purpose, but there does seem to have been some shortfall of provision in January — 1.8 million litres instead of 2.2 million as before. It is not clear yet whether this is for technical reasons or because of ongoing disputes over the provision by the de facto authorities in Gaza of some payment to the PA for the power supplied.
Any additional worsening of the conditions of the people of Gaza is deeply regrettable. If any difficulties between Palestinians are exacerbating this, then I urge them strongly to resolve this. However, it is quite clear that the continuing power cuts and rationing in Gaza are due overwhelmingly to the continuing blockade by Israel. I will continue to argue in every forum open to me that this blockade is unacceptable and must be ended as a matter of urgency.
149 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the extent to which his Department directly or through subsidiary bodies has received or if their attention has been drawn to applications for grant aid for festival or festival facilities at various locations throughout the country in 2010; the extent of such activity in the previous three years to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8414/10]
At the outset, I wish to point out to the Deputy that the provision of funding for festivals is an operational matter for agencies under the aegis of my Department and I have no direct role in the process.
In relation to tourism-related funding for festivals, in accordance with the provisions of Section 8(1) of the National Tourism Development Authority Act, 2003, it is a day to day matter for Fáilte Ireland to encourage, promote and support either inside or outside the State (a) the development of tourism traffic within and to the State and (b) the development and marketing of tourist facilities and services within the State.
In relation to the provision of arts-related funding to organisations involved in festival activity, under Section 24(2) of the Arts Act 2003, the Arts Council shall be independent in the performance of its functions.
I am advised by Fáilte Ireland and the Arts Council that the numbers of applications for funding in relation to festivals are as shown as follows:
|
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
|
|
Fáilte Ireland — Festivals and Cultural Events Initiative |
N/A(1) |
National: 47 |
National: 47 |
|
Regional: 152 |
Regional: Not yet available(2) |
||
|
The Arts Council — Festivals and Small Events |
335 |
332 |
163 (to date)(3) |
Notes
(1)Figures are not readily available for the total number of applications to Fáilte Ireland under the Festivals and Cultural Events Initiative in 2008. However, the number of festival awards for that year was as follows:
(a) National: 64
(b) Regional: 185
(2) Data on the number of applications in 2010 for festival funding to Fáilte Ireland at regional level is not yet available as the deadline has not yet passed.
(3) Under the Arts Council Festival and Small Events Programme in 2010, 163 applications have been received to date. As round two is still open, no final definitive figure is available.
150 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the extent to which he or his Department proposes to directly or indirectly promote the film industry in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8415/10]
Primary responsibility for the support and promotion of film-making in Ireland in respect of both the indigenous sector and inward productions is a matter for the Irish Film Board. This agency is funded through my Department and is statutorily independent of the Department in its operations. The allocation to the Irish Film Board in 2010 is €19.272m.
151 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the expected expenditure in 2010 for the provision of indoor recreational facilities; the way this compares with the previous three years to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8417/10]
154 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the expenditure for major or minor sporting and or recreational facilities in County Kildare in 2010; the way this compares with each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8420/10]
157 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the extent to which it is expected to award major and minor grant assistance to sporting or recreational facilities at local level throughout the country in 2010; the degree to which this compares with each of the past three years to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8423/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 151, 145 and 157 together.
Under the Sports Capital Programme (SCP), which is administered by my Department, and part funded from the proceeds of the National Lottery, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country.
While no decision has been made on the timing of the next round of the SCP, €48 million has been provided in my Department's Vote in the 2010 Estimates to cover payments to be made from the C1 subhead, out of which grants are paid for the provision of sports and recreation facilities in respect of previously awarded grants. It is expected that all of this funding will be distributed to sports clubs and organisations this year.
As the drawdown of outstanding allocations is dependent on the timely receipt of invoices and other documentation from the grantees it is not possible to predict the exact amount of SCP drawdown from any county during a particular period of time.
The figures for expenditure under the SCP on projects funded under the programme up to and including 2008 for each of the last three years are set out in the table:
|
Year |
Total Expenditure |
Kildare |
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
2009 |
58,738,337 |
1,654,421 |
|
2008 |
60,137,146 |
687,451 |
|
2007 |
63,719,986 |
1,031,964 |
The information sought in relation to the exact amount spent on indoor facilities under the SCP is not readily available and its compilation would involve a disproportionate amount of time and work.
Under the Local Authority Swimming Pools Programme (LASPP) a provision of €7.5m has been made in 2010 which will be sufficient to meet existing commitments under current round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme, including payments of €761,842 for projects funded in County Kildare. No decision has been made on the timing of a new round of the programme.
The figures for expenditure under the LASPP for each of the last three years, for County Kildare and for the whole country, are set out in the table:
|
Year |
Total Expenditure |
Kildare |
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
2009 |
11,670,434 |
Nil |
|
2008 |
20,448,420 |
4,801,336 |
|
2007 |
27,786,790 |
2,055,250 |
152 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the steps he is taking to promote the arts in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8418/10]
155 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the financial support proposed by his Department for expenditure on the arts at local level in 2010 in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8421/10]
156 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the financial support proposed by his Department for expenditure on the arts at local level in 2010 throughout the country on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8422/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 152, 155 and 156 together.
Primary responsibility for the promotion of the arts at all levels throughout the country is devolved to the Arts Council. The Arts Council are funded by my Department but are independent in their day to day operations, including funding decisions. The allocation to the Arts Council for 2010 is €68.649m.
Under the ACCESS programme, my Department is responsible for the provision of capital monies for arts centres, galleries, theatres, etc. In 2008 and 2009 €52m was expended in respect of such facilities. A further €16m is allocated in 2010 for regional arts capital projects throughout the country. Many of these projects are already under construction and will be completed in 2010. Under this scheme €580,000 has been allocated to the Lantern Municipal Gallery in Kildare. This project has not yet commenced. A list of the successful ACCESS II projects and the amount of grant aid allocated to each project is available on my Department's website.
158 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will provide funding to an association (details supplied) in County Donegal through his Department’s programmes of grants for community and voluntary organisations; if he will make funding available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8205/10]
The organisation in question has received funds from my Department for various projects under the Programme of Grants for Locally Based Community and Voluntary Organisations, as set out as follows:
|
Year |
Total Paid |
|
€ |
|
|
2006 |
10,800 |
|
2008 |
4,672 |
In addition, I am advised the organisation was granted €534,028 from the Dormant Accounts Fund in 2004. Due to the continuing pressures on the public finances, the Programme of Grants for Locally Based Community and Voluntary Organisations was suspended at the end of February 2009. My Department has no plans to re-open it to new applications at present and, accordingly, organisations such at that referred to by the Deputy may wish to pursue alternative sources to secure financial support.
One possible alternative is the Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2007-13, under which funding of €425m is available to improve the quality of life in rural areas and facilitate the diversification of the rural economy. Under the RDP, Local Action Groups (LAGs) distribute funding to community groups and individuals in rural areas across a broad range of activities and measures. Interested community organisations should contact their local LAG who may be able to assist. Contact details for the relevant Co Donegal groups are set out as follows.
|
Area Covered |
Company Name & Address |
C.E.O./ Manager |
Telephone/ Fax |
Contact Email & Website |
|
|
National |
Gaeltachtaí — Ciarraí, Corcaigh, Port Láirge, Gaillimh, An Mhí, Maigh Eo, Tír Chonaill |
Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta Teoranta. An Mhainistir, An Daingean, Co. Chiarraí |
Antaine M. Ó Sé |
066 9152280/ 066 9151790 |
eolas@mfg.ie/ www.mfg.ie |
|
Donegal |
Part Donegal |
Donegal Local Development Company Ltd. 1 Millennium Court, Pearse Road, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal |
Caoimhin Mc Aoidh |
0749127056/ 0749121527 |
rdp@dldc.org/ www.dldc.org |
|
Donegal |
Inishowen |
Inishowen Development Partnership. Pound Street, Carndonagh, Inishowen, Co.Donegal |
Andrew Ward |
0749373083/ 0749373084 |
info@inishowen.ie/ www.inishowen.ie |
159 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has reduced the funding for the accessible community transport services; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that reductions in funding of the service in Dublin has led to reduced wages for drivers, an increase in fares for those on social welfare payments, the likelihood of a new membership fee and an increased endangering of the viability of the whole operation; if he will consider reversing the cutbacks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8224/10]
The organisation referred to by the Deputy has had a contract with my Department's Community Services Programme (CSP) for the provision of a range of transport services for people with disabilities. Along with some 315 other organisations, its contract with the CSP expired at the end of December 2009. It has since been extended to the end of 2010 on the same terms and conditions. Under the CSP, the organisation receives one of the larger contributions to deliver services with funding of the order of €289,000 being provided towards the costs of employing a manager and 13.5 full-time equivalents posts in 2010.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the pressure on the public finances has significantly impacted on resources available to the programmes delivered by my Department. My priority with respect to the CSP has been to protect the jobs of some 2,700 people employed by the 450 or so community-based organisations approved for support. In order to do this, it was necessary to reduce the level of non-wage grants paid to service providers, as well as cutting technical assistance and administrative costs.
I have provided a review process where an immediate examination of the impacts of the reduction in support to organisations can be undertaken. Accessible Community Transport Services lodged an review request in late January and I expect a recommendation to be made to me in respect of this matter no later than the 5th March. Finally, it should be noted that organisations providing services under the CSP are required to develop non-public forms of income by way of charging fees, trading or fund-raising, as the programme is not designed to cover the full operating costs of supported organisations.
160 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if financial assistance will be granted in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8215/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
161 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a refund of pension payment is being sought from a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; if and when full payment will be restored; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8211/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
162 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a pension has ceased in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; if payment will be reinstated in the near future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8212/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
163 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8222/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
164 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way in which social contributions made while working in Jersey are counted when determining entitlement to a state contributory pension. [8225/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
165 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow who has been refused the household benefits; if this will be re-examined and awarded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8226/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
166 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons working in each social welfare office in County Donegal in tabular form in 2009; and the number of persons working in each social welfare office in County Donegal in tabular form in 2010. [8254/10]
167 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons working in each social welfare office in County Donegal who are on long-term or maternity leave as and from February 2010 in tabular form. [8255/10]
168 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of temporary positions in each social welfare office in County Donegal which have been filled as a result of long-term or maternity leave as of February 2010. [8256/10]
I propose to take Question Nos. 166, 167 and 168 together.
At February 2009, the number of posts occupied in the Department's offices in County Donegal was 327, as detailed in the table below. At February 2010, there are 394 posts occupied in the Department's offices in County Donegal. This includes the new decentralised office in Buncrana that opened in October 2009, as detailed in the table.
|
Office |
February 2009 No. of Posts |
February 2010 No. of Posts |
Temporary Staff in place to cover long term absences |
|
Letterkenny HQ |
224.0 |
**198.0 |
2 |
|
Buncrana HQ |
*0.0 |
85.0 |
|
|
Buncrana Local Office |
22.0 |
26.0 |
1 |
|
Donegal Town Local Office |
19.0 |
16.0 |
1 |
|
Dunfanaghy Local Office |
10.5 |
10.5 |
|
|
Dungloe Local Office |
16.0 |
16.0 |
|
|
Letterkenny Local Office |
22.0 |
28.0 |
|
|
Social Welfare Inspectorate |
13.5 |
14.5 |
|
|
Total No. of Posts |
327.0 |
394.0 |
4 |
*The Department's new decentralised office in Buncrana opened in October 2009.
**24 posts transferred from Letterkenny to the new office in Buncrana.
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy in respect of the persons who are on long-term or maternity leave as and from February 2010.
169 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will issue on an application for disability benefit in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8257/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
170 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will issue on an appeal for jobseeker’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8258/10]
171 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will issue on an appeal for jobseeker’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8259/10]
172 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will issue on an appeal for jobseeker’s benefit in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8260/10]
173 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will issue on an appeal for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8261/10]
174 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will issue on an appeal for jobseeker’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8262/10]
175 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will issue on an appeal for jobseeker’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8263/10]
176 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will issue on an appeal for illness benefit in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8264/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 170 to 176 together.
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
177 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason an oral hearing has not been arranged regarding an appeal of a refusal of old age pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8269/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
178 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will restore a free telephone rental allowance to persons (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8271/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
179 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will be made on an application for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8319/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
180 Deputy Mary Wallace asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the plans by her or the agencies under her remit to utilise office space in a town (details supplied) in County Meath; the way these plans have advanced; the services that are to be provided to the public; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8321/10]
The Department currently does not have an office in this location and has no plans at this stage to establish an office there.
181 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will be made on an application for fuel allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8324/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
182 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin. [8333/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
183 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will support the case of persons (details supplied) in County Louth. [8334/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
184 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding an application for jobseeker’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8353/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
185 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the entitlements of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22 for fuel supplement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8413/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
186 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence the pension entitlements in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [8232/10]
At the request of the person concerned, estimates (based on current pay scales and tax provisions) of pension entitlements have already been provided. If any additional details are required, the Human Resources Branch (Civilian Employees Section) of my Department will be happy to be of assistance.
187 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if research has been carried out on the impact of energy saving measures, specifically increased house insulation, on indoor radon levels; and if advice is available to persons who are considering availing of State grants to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. [8253/10]
On matters relating to radon gas my Department is advised by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII), which also provides a radon advice service to members of the public.
International scientific literature reviewed by the RPII suggests that measures to reduce heat loss through increasing the air-tightness of buildings may have the unintended effect of causing a build-up of radon and other indoor air contaminants. However, there is a lack of data applicable to countries with climates like Ireland and research is needed better to understand the relationship between greater energy efficiency and indoor radon concentrations. Radon measurements would need to be carried out before and after insulation in a statistically relevant sample of homes throughout the country. Discussions are ongoing between my Department, the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and the relevant Agencies, Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) and the RPII to develop a pilot research scheme.
SEI provides information on radon to applicants for the Home Energy Savings (HES) scheme. The SEI website includes information on radon for householders considering energy saving measures as well as a link to the RPII website which contains detailed information and advice on radon.
188 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to extend the expiry date of planning approvals from five years to seven years in view of the current economic climate and the inability of approved applicants to get the finance to commence construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8318/10]
As stated in the reply to Question No. 578 of 9 February 2010, Section 42 of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2009 currently provides that the duration of a planning permission may be extended, subject to certain conditions, where substantial works have been carried out before the expiration of the original permission.
The Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill provides for amending section 42 to allow, subject to certain conditions, for the possibility of an extension of permission for a period of up to 5 years, in circumstances where substantial works have not been carried out, but there are commercial, economic or technical considerations, beyond the control of the applicant, which substantially militated against either the commencement of development or the carrying out of substantial works. It is intended that this new provision should apply to applications for extension of permission received after the commencement of the said provision following the enactment of the Bill.
189 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason he is permitting a body’s continuing non-compliance with a legal obligation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8325/10]
There are currently no primary legislative provisions governing the provision or management of allotments by local authorities. Any local objective or policy of the Council referred to in the Question in relation to allotments is, therefore, a matter for that Council and I have no function in this context.
190 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if an application (details supplied) by Wicklow County Council has received sanction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8329/10]
My Department issued budget approval for 6 new social houses at this location to Wicklow County Council on 14 October, 2009. It is a matter for each housing authority to manage its Social Housing Investment Programme within the annual capital allocation provided by my Department.
191 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department is processing an application received from South Tipperary County Council on behalf of an association (details supplied) under the build to lease scheme; the estimated approval date for this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8371/10]
Following a receipt of a project proposal for the provision of 18 units in Cahir, South Tipperary, my Department considered the proposal and issued provisional approval for inclusion in the Social Housing Leasing Initiative in December 2009. It is now a matter for the association in question to progress the matter to facilitate full funding approval.
192 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the Clare wind energy strategy which is at variation to the Clare county development plan; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that it was proposed by the council executive and unanimously approved by the members of Clare County Council on 14 December 2009 with the strong support of a political party (details supplied) following a year long review process and that the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has welcomed that strategy in principle; if he will endorse the Clare wind energy strategy and commend it to other county councils and regional authorities as a template for a renewable energy strategy which should be included in their development plans, many of which are currently under review; his views on this strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8374/10]
The Government is committed to delivering a significant growth in renewable energy as a contribution to fuel diversity in power generation with a 2020 target of 40% of electricity consumption. Wind energy will provide the pivotal contribution to achieving this target.
My Department's Wind Energy Development Guidelines issued to planning authorities in June 2006, and available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie, offer advice, inter alia, on wind energy and the development plan to ensure consistency of approach throughout the country for wind energy development.
In my role as statutory consultee in relation to development plans and variations to development plans, my Department provided observations which commended Variation No. 2 (Wind Farm Strategy) to the Clare County Development Plan 2005-2011.
193 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the contacts he has had with Laois County Council regarding the provision of a project (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8411/10]
My Department's Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) provides funding to approved housing bodies of up to 100% of the approved costs of accommodation for older people, the homeless, persons with special needs, returning emigrants and victims of domestic violence.
My Department's involvement with the scheme relates primarily to the provision of funds for individual projects. The detailed administration of the scheme, including the certification that projects comply with its terms and conditions, the processing of applications and the payment of capital grants in respect of approved housing projects, are the responsibility of the local authority.
There are no proposals with my Department at present with regard to the provision of a women's refuge in County Laois.
194 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received data from town and county councils regarding vacant housing stock in the ownership of the respective councils; if so, if he will provide this information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8429/10]
Information in relation to vacant local authority houses is a Local Authority Service Indicator and reports on these indicators are available on the Local Government Management Services Board's website www.lgmsb.ie. The latest available figures relate to 2008.
195 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether, if in haste to avail of the environmental benefits of wind farms, we are ignoring the ecological damage that turbines can do (details supplied). [8443/10]
196 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether peat bogs store three times as much carbon as is held in tropical rain-forests (details supplied); if he will commission another study to examine the consequence of the impact of wind farms on areas such as Corry Mountain, County Leitrim. [8445/10]
197 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether the grouse habitat is destroyed in the natural heritage area — Corry Mountain Bog, NHA 002321, Order 2005 — due to a wind farm project; and if he proposes through the national parks and wildlife service to restore the grouse habitat. [8451/10]
198 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the national parks and wildlife service is responsible for the enforcement of national heritage area 473/2005 plans to prosecute the promoters of the wind farm for the damage to the upland bog. [8452/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 195 to 198, inclusive, together.
I fully appreciate the importance of peat bogs as a carbon sink. My Department's Wind Energy Development Guidelines issued to planning authorities in June 2006, and available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie, provide comprehensive advice to planning authorities on catering for wind energy through the development plan process. They include advice on the development of wind energy in peatlands, in order to reduce impacts, including the minimisation of habitat disturbance and loss, as well as hydrological disruption and the risk of erosion. The Guidelines were issued under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Acts, and planning authorities are obliged to have regard to such guidelines in the performance of their planning functions.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department has responsibility for the enforcement of the Wildlife Acts, under which Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) receive protection. The wind farm development in question at Corry Mountain Bog was undertaken on foot of planning permission secured prior to the designation of the area as an NHA. Designation of a site as an NHA does not nullify planning permission already given. My Department has engaged in consultations with the developers, ESBI, as well as with Roscommon County Council, in relation to protecting natural habitats at this NHA site.
My Department has recently reviewed the current situation and has concluded that some upland habitats, which may host Red Grouse among other species, have been damaged. My Department is now arranging to have a survey carried out to assess the extent of the damage and the feasibility of restoration. It is hoped that this survey — and any works which may be needed — will be carried out with the co-operation of ESBI.
199 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the portion of the €5 million fund set up to assist in the development of additional economic opportunities for the labour force previously employed in the ancillary sector of the commercial salmon fishing industry which was allocated to the three Munster Gaeltachts is now closed to applications; if all applications received have been fully processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8433/10]
The Salmon Hardship Fund Community Support Scheme (CSS) was administered through 14 LEADER companies and Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann in respect of island communities and Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta Teoranta, in respect of the Gaeltacht areas. I wish to advise the Deputy that the closing date for receipt of applications under the scheme was 31 March last year. Final payments under the scheme were distributed by my Department to Leader Companies in December 2009. Further details in relation to the payments made to Leader Companies are set out in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 911 of 19th January 2010.
200 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will introduce the option to make it possible to pay a television licence on a quarterly or half yearly basis similar to that which pertains for car tax in view of the fact that the television licence is causing financial hardship to many persons at this time. [8238/10]
An Post acts as my Department's agent in regard to the issuing of television licences and collection of licence fees under section 145 of the Broadcasting Act 2009. In undertaking this service, An Post provides a range of payment methods that can be availed of by the public. These include television licence stamps, which are available for purchase at all post offices, and a direct debit facility that allows the purchaser to pay on an annual, bi-annual, quarterly or monthly basis. Full details of all the available options are provided on An Post's website at www.anpost.ie.
201 Deputy Mary Alexandra White asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the way €1.5 million in central government funding for the River Barrow has been spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8434/10]
202 Deputy Mary Alexandra White asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the way the new fisheries body, inland fisheries Ireland, will impact on the River Barrow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8435/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 201 and 202 together.
As the Deputy is aware the Inland Fisheries Bill 2009 is currently before the House. This Bill provides for the restructuring of the management of the inland fisheries sector, including the establishment of Inland Fisheries Ireland, a single authority which will replace the existing Central Fisheries Board and seven Regional Fisheries Boards. Given the nature of its work the new body will of course continue to have a strong regional presence and manage each river catchment according to best practice. Provision has been made in the Bill for the establishment of a national inland fisheries forum. It is envisaged that this will facilitate input by local stakeholders into the work of Inland Fisheries Ireland. I also expect Inland Fisheries Ireland to establish effective communication channels to give local interests an opportunity to influence policies and how they are implemented at a local level.
I understand that the €1.5m referred to by the Deputy was that recommended for the river Barrow in a 1998 Salmon Management Report. Expenditure on individual rivers is a matter for the relevant Regional Fisheries Board. I understand that a total of €12.1m in Exchequer funding was allocated to the Southern Regional Fisheries Board from 2004-2008, however, expenditure is not available on an individual river basis. I am informed by the Board that 8 of its fishery officers are dedicated to working on the river Barrow.
203 Deputy Mary Alexandra White asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if a fish audit was ever conducted on the Mountain River in south Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8436/10]
I am informed that fish related survey work has been carried out on this catchment on at least four occasions by staff from the Central Fisheries Board. In 1995 a ground survey assessment of habitat and fish in the Mountain River sub-catchment was undertaken. In 2004 eight sites in Mountain River were sampled as part of a national assessment of the status of lamprey. More recently in 2007 & 2009 several sites in Mountain River were surveyed as part of the catchment-wide electrofishing survey of the Barrow to assess the abundance of juvenile salmon fry. Details of the data available from the various surveys can be obtained from the Central Fisheries Board.
204 Deputy Mary Alexandra White asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps he is taking to combat invasive species on rivers such as the Barrow, the Nore and the Slaney; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8437/10]
Under the Fisheries Acts, primary responsibility for the management, conservation, protection and development of the inland fisheries resource is the responsibility of the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards. The Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, has responsibility for the enactment of legislation to control the ecological impact of invasive species on freshwater ecology and native species under the Wildlife Acts 1976–2000. I understand that the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, through the National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS), is currently considering proposals for the enactment of legislation in this area.
The Central and Regional Fisheries Boards are working in coordination with other State agencies, such as the NPWS, and stakeholders to address the issues associated with invasive species in Ireland. This will include the development of a process for the rapid identification and reaction to reported incidences of invasive species.
The CFB are currently the lead partner in a LIFE+ project (EU/NPWS funded), which focuses its efforts on the control of an aggressive South African weed (the curly leaved waterweed) in one of our great western lakes, Lough Corrib, and on a variety of high impact invasive species in the Grand Canal and River Barrow Navigation. This project, therefore, will act as a demonstration project that will develop species control and management initiatives, codes of best practice, stakeholder engagement opportunities and significant capacity building arrangements. It is anticipated that these will have broad application throughout Ireland and Europe.
The Boards are also working on raising awareness amongst water users about the spread of invasive species, how they can be prevented and the mitigating measures that can be taken, for example, by anglers when moving boats and gear from one river catchment to another.
205 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on whether, if in haste to avail of the environmental benefits of wind farms, we are ignoring the ecological damage that turbines can do (details supplied). [8444/10]
208 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the grant aid package to promoters of the wind farm and a breakdown by project on Corry Mountain in counties Leitrim and Roscommon (details supplied). [8449/10]
I propose to take Question Nos. 205 and 208 together.
The proven environmental benefits of wind power include reduced greenhouse gas emissions and reduction in fossil fuel consumption while also enhancing security of energy supply. Once constructed, wind turbines produce no harmful gas emissions, no effluent, no waste products and no radioactivity. Every megawatt (MW) of installed Irish wind energy capacity displaces carbon dioxide and other emissions. Using the 2008 average carbon dioxide emission for the grid (average including all generating technologies such as coal, gas, oil, peat, CHP and wind) is calculated that each new MW of wind installed displaced the emission of 1,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide.
When assessing the suitability of a site both technical suitability and environmental suitability must be addressed. The Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government has published comprehensive guidelines (Wind Energy Development Guidelines — Guidelines for Planning Authorities June 2006) to assist the proper planning of wind power projects in appropriate locations (including peat lands) around Ireland.
When planning a wind farm, a developer must assess site suitability and project feasibility. Planning permission must be sought. Ground conditions must also be assessed to ensure that they are suitable for wind turbine foundations. The developer must undertake an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The processing of the planning application must be undertaken in line with the regulations set out in the planning legislation. Prior to granting planning permission for any individual site, the relevant planning authority must satisfy itself as to the suitability of the site from an environmental perspective.
My Department does not provide grant aid to wind farm developers. The Renewable Energy Feed in Tariff (REFIT) scheme is designed to encourage development of electricity from renewable sources.
More information on the terms and conditions of the scheme including the rates that are payable for the electricity produced is available on the Department's website.
Prior to accepting a project into the REFIT scheme, applicants must demonstrate that they have secured planning permission for the site. The assumption is that if the relevant authority has granted planning permission for a site then that site has been assessed as suitable for the development of a wind farm from an environmental perspective. The specific wind farm on the Corry Mountain has been accepted into REFIT and the supply company with which it has contracted has been eligible for payments under the REFIT scheme since October 2009.
I am advised that the wind farm development at Corry Mountain Bog received planning permission from the relevant local authority prior to the designation of the area as a National Heritage Area (NHA). The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has engaged in regular consultations with the developers, who have indicated a willingness to cooperate in mitigating the effects of the development on the NHA.
NPWS is now arranging to have a survey carried out to assess the area. It is envisaged that this survey and any works which may be needed, will be carried out with the cooperation of the developer.
206 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the ESB fishery division or any employee or agent hold an eel dealers licence now or in the past. [8447/10]
As the Deputy will be aware eel dealer licences are issued in accordance with Part X of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959 (as amended) by the relevant Regional Fisheries Board. I have been advised by the ESB that neither ESB Fisheries Conservation nor any employee of ESB Fisheries Conservation hold an eel dealers licence or have held such a licence in the past. I am informed that ESB is not aware that any of its agents hold such licences.
207 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he proposes to have the indemnity from prosecution given to ESB under section 11 of the Electricity Amendment Act 1945 Section 11 removed for example in the case of a landslide which destroys a river and fish stocks. [8448/10]
I have requested by Department, in consultation with the Department's legal adviser, as well as ESB to review the relevant provision in the Electricity Amendment Act 1945 in light of national and EU environmental legislative developments.
209 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on whether the impact of hydropower was a factor in the destruction of eels on the Shannon and Erne systems. [8450/10]
As outlined in the Irish Eel Management Plan (EMP) prepared under EC Regulation No 1100 of 2007, six catchments, including the Shannon and the Erne have major hydropower installations in the lower catchments. According to the results of studies by the International Council for Exploration of the Sea the average mortality per turbine installation amounts to 28.5% (ICES 2003). This figure was used in assessing the impact of hydropower in the EMP. One of the four management measures in the EMP is the mitigation of the impact of hydropower, including the operation of a comprehensive silver eel "trap and transport" plan. As previously advised to the Deputy ESB entered into contracts during 2009 with eight parties to carry out trap and transport on the Rivers Shannon, Lee and Erne on their behalf.
210 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he proposes to have the indemnity from prosecution given to Bord Na Móna under section 27 of the Turf Development Act 1946 removed in the interest of the environment in view of the fact that private landowners may be prosecuted for similar breaches; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8454/10]
Bord na Móna Plc is licensed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the EPA Act 1992. Bord na Móna holds nine Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Licences from the EPA for the purposes of peat extraction under Section 83(1) of the EPA Act 1992. These licences cover all of Bord na Móna's peat extraction operations and contain 14 conditions relating to operation and monitoring, emissions to water and air, water protection, waste management and bog rehabilitation. Bord na Móna is the only licensed peat extraction operator in Ireland, and is audited and inspected, in relation to compliance with the conditions of its IPPC Licences, by the EPA.
As Bord na Móna's operations in relation to peat extraction are governed by the terms of the IPPC licences issued to it by the EPA, which are monitored for compliance by the EPA, it does not rely on any immunity under the Turf Development Act 1946 from compliance with the Fisheries Acts.
I have however, requested my Department to review, in consultation with the Department's legal adviser and Bord na Móna, the relevant provision in the Turf Development Act 1946, in light of national and EU environmental legislative developments.
211 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if Bord Na Mona may have damaged bogland development or water systems here and have been protected from prosecution under section 27 of the Turf Development Act 1946; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8455/10]
I regret to advise the Deputy that it is not possible to provide a response to his Question at this time. I will write to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
212 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on whether the Owengar River habitat was destroyed on foot of the Natural Heritage Area (Corry Mountain Bog NHA 002321) Order 2005; his plans to restore the river ecosystem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8457/10]
I understand that during the development work associated with the construction of a wind farm a major peat slide occurred in September 2008, which inundated the Owengar River with peat. This impacted the river down to its confluence with and into Lough Allen. I am advised by the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board that damage to the entire habitat was caused, however, I am informed that no part of the Corry Mountain Bog NHA (Ref 002321) was affected by the peat slide.
Last week Garvagh Glebe Power Limited., a consortium of the ESB and Coillte, was successfully prosecuted for causing pollution of the Owengar River in County Leitrim, contrary to Section 171 of the Fisheries Act. In his judgement the Judge requested that a rehabilitation plan be put in place which will fully addresses all issues into the future and provide a "roadmap for the restoration of the river". I understand that Garvagh Glebe Power Limited has committed to progress the required plan as soon as possible and I welcome this approach. The Fisheries Board will work with Garvagh Glebe Power Ltd in the formulation of the plan which should see the restoration take place over a five year period.
213 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a person (details supplied) will receive compensation for a fodder beet crop that was destroyed in the recent weather conditions. [8210/10]
Following a preliminary assessment of the crop losses caused by the severe weather conditions in January, I recently announced the introduction of a limited scheme of financial assistance to certain potato and field vegetable growers who have suffered significant losses of produce due to frost damage. It is not proposed to extend the scope of the scheme to include fodder beet.
214 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will provide compensation to persons in the hardy nursery stock sector who have suffered losses due to the recent weather conditions in view of the fact that the viability of their businesses is in doubt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8336/10]
Following a preliminary assessment of the crop losses caused by the severe weather conditions in January, I recently announced the introduction of a limited scheme of financial assistance to certain potato and field vegetable growers who have suffered significant losses of produce due to frost damage. It is not proposed to extend the scope of the scheme to include hardy nursery stock.
215 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if an application for review of penalties applied in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath will be completed in view of the substantive documentation provided there with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8432/10]
An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 12th May 2009. This application was selected for and was the subject of a ground eligibility and cross compliance inspection. During the course of the ground inspection carried out on 29th June 2009 discrepancies were found with parcel numbers X13101048, X13403091 and X19405020 resulting in portions of these parcels being rejected. The discrepancies in question were inadequate deduction for scrub in parcel X13101048, inadequate deduction for roadway and farmyard in parcel X13403091 and boundary change required in parcel X19405020. As there is an over declaration of over 20%, no payment will be made under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Area Compensatory Allowance Scheme for the year in question.
The person named was informed of these findings on the 19th November 2009 and of his right to seek a review of this decision within 21 days and of his right to appeal the outcome of any such review to the Independent Agriculture Appeals Office. The person named requested a review of the decision on 13 January 2010 and this review is currently ongoing. The person named will be duly notified of the outcome of this review.
216 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application for funding by a school (details supplied) in County Kerry. [8213/10]
The project to which the Deputy refers is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. Planning Permission was received for the new school building in 2009. A delegation from the school and its design team recently attended a briefing by my Department on the completion of stage 2(b) of architectural planning. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that this project was included in my announcement on 16 February of projects which will be progressing to tender and construction.
217 Deputy Christy O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of boarding schools here in which Catholic pupils are entitled to attend and be paid the remote area grant subject to being eligible under the conditions of this grant; the names of these schools; their locations and roll numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8217/10]
Under the Remote Area Grant scheme, provision exists for the payment of grants in respect of pupils whose normal place of residence is outside the range of public transport services to a school providing suitable free second-level education. This scheme of grants was introduced in conjunction with the free post-primary education scheme in the 1967/68 school year.
The purpose of the scheme is to give pupils who are educationally disadvantaged because of their remoteness from schools an opportunity to attend school on the same basis as other pupils not so disadvantaged. Under the terms of the scheme, a second-level school is a school which is recognised by the Department for the purpose of providing the prescribed certificate courses, which enters its students for the State examinations and is subject to inspection by the Department.
To qualify for a boarding grant, an applicant:—
must be normally resident in the State; and
must be resident at least 4.8 km from a second-level school where suitable free second-level education is available and more than 3.2 km from a pick-up point on a transport service to such a school; and
must be unable to obtain a place in a suitable second-level school within 25 km of his/her normal place of residence; and
must be a pupil in a second-level school providing free second-level education for day pupils. Pupils resident on off-shore islands that do not have a school providing suitable free second-level education may also qualify for assistance under the scheme.
The curriculum choices provided by a school, including the provision or otherwise of transition year, within 25 km of the applicant's normal place of residence will not be a factor in the determination of eligibility for the award of a grant. The maximum grant payable under the scheme from the commencement of the 2008/09 school year may not exceed €4,947 per pupil per annum. The grant is payable quarterly in arrears to the parent/guardian, whichever is appropriate, subject to verification by the school that the pupil has been in full-time attendance for the period concerned and the provision of a statement of the annual maintenance charge. A list of boarding schools is available on my Department's website.
218 Deputy Christy O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the arrangements in place for students from the Church of Ireland, Presbyterian and Methodist persuasions to attend boarding schools here when there is no adjacent Protestant day school; the names of the schools eligible under this scheme; the locations of these schools and their roll numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8218/10]
My Department disburses the Protestant Block grant, which amounted to €6.5 million in 2009. It covers capitation, tuition and boarding costs and is distributed through the Secondary Education Committee, established by the Protestant churches involved in the provision of education. This fund ensures that necessitous Protestant children can attend a school of their choice.
The boarding grant element of the block grant is a recognition of the dispersed nature of the Protestant community. In this regard, I wish to advise the Deputy that students who board at a Protestant school which does not charge fees may also apply for a grant from the Secondary Education Committee to assist with boarding costs. At present, only one school falls into this category.
I, along with my colleagues in Government, recognise the importance of ensuring that students from a Protestant background can attend a school that reflects their denominational ethos. I will continue to work with representatives of the Protestant educational sector to ensure that State funding made available to the Protestant community is targeted in the fairest way possible to meet the needs of their children and their schools. A list of boarding schools is available on my Department's website.
219 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding capital works in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Donegal. [8230/10]
The project to which the Deputy refers has been tendered and the Tender Report forwarded to my Department. Following an assessment of this report some issues have arisen which require further clarification by the VEC. Once this clarification process is complete and assuming that no further issues arise; the project will progress to the construction stage. It is anticipated that construction will commence in the second quarter of 2010.
220 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will give an assurance that a school (details supplied) in County Waterford is not in danger of being closed down due to the lack of numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8328/10]
As the Deputy will be aware, the Special Group on Public Services and Expenditure was established to examine current expenditure programmes in each Government Department and to make recommendations to Government for ensuring a return to sustainable public finances. I can confirm that there are no plans to undertake an immediate large-scale programme of small school closures at this time. The exception to this is small schools where the question of closure would arise in the normal course under the current sustainability limits. These will continue to be dealt with in the same way and such schools may be closed if the numbers reduce over time to an unsustainable level. However, I am of the view that my Department will have to examine the implementation of more strict guidelines in relation to the number of pupils required for both the commencement and the sustainability of schools.
It is within this context that my Department will be examining discreet groups or clusters of small schools and perhaps some individual small schools to see how we might achieve more value for money and a more efficient use of the resources that are currently allocated to these schools. However, in considering any policy changes relating to small schools, my Department is conscious that there is a wider dimension in addition to the cost of maintaining small schools to be considered. Among the issues that will need to be taken into account are the impact of school closures on dispersed rural communities, parental choice, the availability of diversity of school provision and the additional cost of school transport. All Patron bodies and the Education Partners will be consulted as part of any initiative undertaken by my Department in the future.
221 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application from a school (details supplied) in County Waterford under the summer works scheme for primary schools 2010; when a decision on the application will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8337/10]
The closing date for the receipt of applications under the Summer Works Scheme 2010 was 27 November 2009.
Following an assessment process, successful projects will be selected for funding from all valid and approved applications on a top down basis in accordance with the prioritisation criteria published with the Scheme.
In keeping with the timetable published in the governing Circular letter, I expect to be in a position to publish the list of successful applicants in March 2010.
222 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the application for funding for a physical education hall in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when this school will receive funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8346/10]
223 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools that have outstanding applications for funding to build physical education halls; the year of submission of each application; the number of applications that have been successful since 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8347/10]
227 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application in 1996 for funding in respect of a physical education hall by a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when the school will receive funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8370/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 222, 223 and 227 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department operates a published prioritisation criteria system for major capital projects. Projects are assigned a band rating in accordance with these criteria, which were formulated following consultation with the Education Partners. A band rating reflects the type of works needed and the urgency attaching to them.
There are four band ratings in all. Band 1 is the highest and Band 4 is the lowest. Documents explaining the band rating system are available on my Department's website www.education.ie.
Applications for capital funding for new PE Halls or for the extension and refurbishment of existing PE Halls attract a Band 4 rating.
My Department currently has 34 applications for funding for PE Hall projects. 2 applications, including the project to which the Deputy refers, are in architectural planning. A further project was announced to proceed to tender and construction in 2009. The applications for the projects in question were made between 1996 and 2008. Details of these projects are also available on my Department's website.
The specific information sought by the Deputy in relation to the number of projects delivered since 2000 that also contained PE Hall works are not readily available in my Department and, in view of other competing priorities in the capital area, it is not possible to allocate staffing resources to the compilation of the information at this stage.
However, my Department's design guidelines for schools include guidance on the provision of PE Halls, general purpose rooms and outdoor hard play areas such as basketball courts. PE facilities have been provided, where appropriate, as part of my Department's school building programme. The Government is providing €579 million for the school building programme this year. This will enable my Department to continue to take a proactive approach to the provision of modern school accommodation including PE facilities.
With regard to the specific project to which the Deputy refers, this will continue to be considered for advancement under the School Building and Modernisation Programme consistent with the Band rating attaching to it and level of demand on my Department's capital budget from higher competing priorities.
224 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science if contract documents have been submitted in relation to a project (details supplied) in County Donegal; when the documents were submitted; if they are being assessed and considered at the moment; when a decision will be made to have a contractor appointed; when work will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8350/10]
The project to which the Deputy refers has been tendered and the Tender Report forwarded to my Department. Following an assessment of this report some issues have arisen which require further clarification by the VEC. Once this clarification process is complete and assuming that no further issues arise; the project will progress to the construction stage. It is anticipated that construction will commence in the second quarter of 2010.
225 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will intervene in the situation at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24 which faces staff cuts by the National Council for Special Needs; his views on the concern and the anxiety of the school community; if he will outline the position regarding this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8352/10]
The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is an independent agency with responsibility for determining the appropriate staffing levels in relation to the support of pupils with special educational needs in mainstream and special schools. The Deputy will also be aware that the NCSE, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is at present carrying out a review of Special Needs Assistant (SNA) allocations in all schools with a view to ensuring that the criteria governing the allocation of such posts are properly met. This is an exercise in identifying surplus posts which are in the system and which do not meet the current criteria — posts that have been retained when a pupil's care needs have diminished or where the pupil has left.
The NCSE has advised the school that it is to reduce the number of SNAs by four and that this should be achieved by 19th February. The NCSE has also advised the school that it will not alter the level of teaching staff in the school for the remainder of the current school year.
The NCSE is committed to engaging with the school authorities and all other relevant State agencies to manage the situation in the short term and to ensure a sound basis for staff levels in the interest of pupils. My Department has already indicated to the NCSE that it is prepared to attend a meeting with the school if this is considered helpful. The NCSE is also arranging to meet with parents individually in consultation with the school authorities.
The Deputy is fully aware that I have prioritised the provision of special education supports to schools. This is a key Government policy. However, this does not mean that resources, allocated in response to various historical factors, are retained in schools ad infinitum. At a time of constrained resources it is essential that we ensure that public resources, both staff and resources, are deployed as effectively as possible. Resources left in an area that are not in accordance with criteria mean public resources are not available for another deserving area.
I am sure that the Deputy shares my concern to ensure that there is a consistent application of policy in relation to the allocation of special needs supports across the country. This is all that is happening at the moment. I can assure the Deputy that supports will continue to be made available to schools which have enrolled pupils who qualify for such support and children with special educational needs will continue to have access to an appropriate education in line with my Department's policy.
226 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of persons who are in receipt of both a higher education maintenance grant and either a back to education allowance or a vocational training opportunity scheme allowance during the 2008-09 academic year; the number of persons in receipt of either back to education allowance or a VTOS allowance during the 2009-10 academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8355/10]
It is understood from the Department of Social and Family Affairs that some 6,559 of their clients were in receipt of the BTEA Third Level Option in 2008/09 and 10,351 in 2009/10. However, not all BTEA recipients qualify for support under the student grant schemes.
In relation to VTOS allowances, only those students pursuing PLC courses in dispersed mode are eligible to apply for a maintenance grant. There were some 3,671 students in receipt of VTOS allowances for 2008/09, of which 1,800 were pursuing PLC courses in dispersed mode and 4,238 students in receipt of VTOS allowances for the 2009/10 academic year, of which 1,455 were pursuing PLC courses in dispersed mode.
The Deputy will appreciate that many categories of applicants apply for funding under the maintenance grant schemes. My Department does not collate information specifically on students in receipt of the BTEA scheme or VTOS allowance only.
Students currently in receipt of the BTEA and the maintenance grant will continue to be eligible for both payments for the duration of their current course provided they continue to meet the terms and conditions of the schemes. With effect from the academic year 2010/11, students entering or progressing to a new course will no longer be eligible to hold the BTEA together with a student maintenance grant. These students may continue to apply to be assessed to have the cost of the student service charge and any tuition fees paid on their behalf.
The Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) is a second chance education opportunities scheme designed to encourage and facilitate people on certain social welfare payments to improve their skills and qualifications and therefore, their prospects of returning to the workforce. Eligibility for the Back to Education Allowance and associated payments is determined and administered by the Department of Social and Family Affairs and is primarily a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs.
228 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of students in County Meath still awaiting the first instalment of the maintenance grant; the date that has been set for the second instalment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8382/10]
The Third Level Maintenance Grant Schemes, are administered by the Local Authorities and Vocational Education Committees' on behalf of my Department. The arrangement for the payment of grants and refunds of student service charges under the grant schemes are a matter for the administering authorities.
Some 30 students who have been awarded a maintenance grant by County Meath VEC are awaiting payment of the first instalment. This payment cannot issue until the Final Course Acceptance Forms are returned by the students. The second instalment was paid on the 19th January 2010 by County Meath VEC.
Some 112 students who have been awarded a maintenance grant by Meath County Council are awaiting payment of the first instalment. This cannot issue until the Final Course Acceptance Forms are returned by the students (of the 112 students, 41 have returned the acceptance forms to date and will be ready for payment this week). The second instalment was paid in the first week of February 2010 by Meath County Council.
229 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the capacity that exists at third level for the expansion of the international student body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8386/10]
I have recently established a high level group on international education, as part of the new framework for the promotion, co-ordination and regulation of international education in Ireland. The Government has requested that the High Level Group develop an action plan for enhanced performance, which should address the full range of issues relevant to the recruitment of international students and other forms of internationalisation of education. Among the core issues that the Group will be examining includes the capacity of institutions to attract increased numbers of international students in a way which is consistent with other national policies and has regard to needs of Irish students. I expect that the Action Plan will be ready later this year.
